Hispano-Flemish school; first half of the 16th century.

Hispano-Flemish school; first half of the 16th century.
"Saint Joseph with Child".
Carved and polychrome wood.
It presents polychrome of later period, faults and Repainting.
Measurements: 40 x 15 x 15 cm; 32 cm (height).
Devotional image carved in round and polychrome, representing St. Joseph in full body, standing, with the Child in his arms, adopting an open and dynamic composition, which acquires monumentality and expressiveness. Until the Counter-Reformation, the most common thing was that the figure of St. Joseph remained in the background, since he was not given any theological importance. However, after Trent, his protagonist role as Jesus' protector during his childhood, as a guide during his youth, was recovered, and as such he is represented here. In contrast to the tenderness, defenselessness and candor of the infant figure, St. Joseph is presented as a monumental character, typically baroque, an impression that is reinforced by the pyramidal composition. Through this form of representation, the author visually enhances the decisive role as protector of the putative father of Jesus.