Spanish school of the second half of the 18th century.

Spanish school of the second half of the eighteenth century.
"Virgin of the Milk".
Oil on panel.
With slight deterioration due to the passage of time.
Measurements: 30 x 23 cm; 44.50 x 37 cm (frame).
In this copper the painter offers us a tender and intimate image of the Virgin and Child, within the iconography of the Virgin of the Milk, which has a long tradition in the history of art. Although in the baroque period this theme begins to disappear, it fits fully with the interest of the artists of the time to depict Jesus in his most human facet, as well as the Virgin. Here even disappears any allusion to the future sacrifice, which often appears with the presence of fruits or red flowers. In any case, the only veiled image of the Passion would be Mary's red tunic. However, the religiousness of the scene is achieved in this case with the masterful handling of chiaroscuro, which models the features, softens them, and gives the infant body a soft grace. Even the gesture, the languor of the small body, conveys the silent enjoyment of breastfeeding. The mother bows her head and her rounded features are illuminated by the infant's joy. The painter's stylistic models are found in the Spanish school of the 17th century, focused on humanizing the characters.