Valladolid School; XVII century.

Valladolid School; XVII century.
"Salvador Mundi".
Oil on canvas.
Presents restorations.
Measurements: 61 x 44 cm; 77 x 59 cm (frame).
This oil painting shows Christ as "Salvator Mundi", an iconography that represents the Christological concept of Jesus Christ as universal savior, in relation to his role as judge in the Final Judgment and his character of Redeemer. It is characterized by presenting Christ raising his right hand as a sign of blessing, while holding with his left hand an orb symbolizing the universe, crowned by a cross that emphasizes the universal character of the Christian doctrine and the redemptive act of Christ, although in this particular case it is not so, but simply represents the bust of Jesus.
The style of the Valladolid school of the mid-17th century can be clearly appreciated. This school began to take on its own identity at the end of the 16th century, creating a unique language. This artistic tradition will lead to the fact that the vallisoletanas will be sacred images with a marked dynamism and faces of great expression, without falling, however, into vulgarities. With an incision in the evasion of the mystical experience, which is transmitted through calm attitudes and a sober gesticulation, leaving the face and hands the greatest expressive weight. Valladolid was a sculptural focus of the first order in the 16th century, a condition that it would maintain in the Baroque period. This was influenced by the impulse given to art by the establishment of the court in the city, with which powerful people settled there and promoted culture. The wealthy clientele were frequent benefactors of convents and churches, which at that time needed new images and altarpieces to adapt their precincts to the counter-reformist ideals.