Spanish school; c. 1800.

Spanish School; c. 1800.
"St. Joseph with Child".
Oil on copper.
Measurements: 28 x 20.5 cm; 34 x 27 cm (frame).
Devotional image that presents us St. Joseph of half body, holding the flowered rod that is its main iconographic symbol, with the Child Jesus leaning on his lap. Both figures appear in the foreground, in front of a neutral background that gives greater prominence to the figures. Until the Counter-Reformation, it was common for the figure of St. Joseph to remain 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.