Spanish school; second half of the 18th century.

Spanish school; second half of the 18th century.
"St. Joseph with Child.
Oil on panel.
Preserves period frame with faults.
Measurements: 30 x 23 cm; 40 x 33 cm (frame).
Devotional image that presents us with St. Joseph of half body, holding the flowered rod that is its main iconographic symbol, with the Child Jesus leaning on one of his arms. The scene is completed by the presence of six cherubim heads located in the upper area as a celestial arch.
Until the Counter-Reformation, the most common thing was that the figure of St. Joseph remained in the background, since no theological importance was given to him. However, after Trent, his protagonist role as Jesus' protector during his childhood, as a guide during his years of 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.