17th century Spanish school

Spanish school of the XVII century.
"San Isidro with almsmen".
Oil on panel.
Frame of the XVIII century.
Needs restoration and cleaning. It presents remains of old xylophages.
Measurements: 79 x 66 cm; 92 x 79 cm (frame).
San Isidro is presented in this scene in front of two characters who ask for alms. All the figures are placed in a wooded landscape, bathed in a diffuse light that gives a solid coloration based on firm brushstrokes that build the volumes. The saint, on whose face the light falls, remains absorbed in his thoughts. The other faces, on the other hand, express confidence in his power and philanthropy. Isidro Labrador (Madrid, 1080-1172), married to the saint María de la Cabeza, was beatified by Paul V in 1619, and canonized in 1622 by Gregory XV. He was declared patron saint of Spanish farmers by John XXIII in 1960. There are several miracles attributed to this saint, among the most famous being that of the well in which, thanks to his prayer, the waters rose to rescue his son, who had fallen in. Another is the one in which the angels help the saint to plow a field, allowing him to stop and pray in all the parishes through which he passed on his way to work. His iconographic representation is directly related to his work as a farmer, being his most frequent symbols the tools of the field, such as the hoe or the shovel. He is also often depicted with a rosary, grilles or ears of corn.