Flemish school; 17th century.

Flemish school; 17th century.
"The Circumcision of Christ".
Oil on copper.
It presents faults and restorations.
It has a frame of the nineteenth century.
Measurements: 56 x 42 cm; 78 x 54 cm (frame).
This Flemish painting of the XVII century represents the biblical scene of the circumcision of Christ, a subject frequently approached in the Christian artistic tradition. The composition is dominated by a group of figures surrounding the Christ Child, who is the center of attention and is being held in the act of the ritual. The figures have solemn gestures and express reverence, while a heavenly light seems to illuminate the scene, highlighting the child as a divine figure. In the upper part, there is an ethereal figure that probably represents God the Father, with open arms in a gesture of blessing, surrounded by clouds and rays of divine light.
The use of chiaroscuro, characteristic of the Flemish Baroque style, intensifies the drama of the scene, with strong hallmarks between the illuminated areas and the deep shadows that envelop the characters. The rich costumes and carefully crafted details reflect the technical skill of the Flemish artists and their attention to the symbolic and emotional aspects of the biblical narrative.
The relevance of the theme lies in the fact that the circumcision of Christ, mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (2:21), not only represents the insertion of Jesus into the Jewish tradition, but is also seen as a prelude to his sacrifice and redemption. This act, performed eight days after his birth, symbolizes obedience to divine law and marks the beginning of Christ's redemptive mission, connecting deeply with the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.