Novo-Hispanic school of the late 17th century

Novo-Hispanic school of the late 17th century.
"Virgin of the Popolo".
Oil on panel.
It presents faults and restorations.
Measurements: 110 x 71 x 2,5 cm.

Oil painting on canvas representing the Virgin and Child following a compositional model inspired by the "Salus Populi Romani (in Spanish: Protectora del Pueblo Romano), better known as Our Lady of the Snows. It is a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and Child, which tradition attributes to the first Christians. It is located in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Here we see the Virgin half-length, dressed in red tunic and blue mantle, holding in her arms the child, who also wears tunic and mantle, although in red and gold colors. Jesus holds in his hands a book, the Holy Scriptures, and raises his right hand with two fingers extended, as a sign of blessing. Following the model of the icon of the "Madonna del Popolo", the figures show hieratic and solemn positions. However, the modeling of the faces and hands shows a clear classical influence, since it is markedly sculptural.