Oil painting on canvas

70 x 82 cm.

In antique frame 78 x 91 cm.

This painting depicts an unusual and pleasant iconographic theme, occasionally used by the Christian tradition but represented here following a peculiar iconography that places the Divine child lying on a white cloth spread in a small and low straw manger; the sacred scene is set in a kind of childish alcove, from which a natural glimpse opens up in the background, with white sheets and pillows.

Jesus is awake and scrutinizes directed towards the observer, not asleep as in most of this type of work, and in a serene and lively attitude, with the lightheartedness of any newborn child, and above all the scene is devoid of the usual attributes of the Passion. or other references that can evoke his future of sacrifice.

It is therefore a sacred painting which, by virtue of its probable destination as an auspicious gift for a birth, is not enveloped in any excess of religiosity.

Next to the small one is a cartouche with the biblical inscription "Deliciae meae esse cum filiis hominum" (Prov. VII, 31). This message finds its foundation in the invitation to every man, from an early age, to be virtuous, citing as a motivation the great love that God pours out on man, especially since he is a child. Hence the meaning of the phrase Deliciae meae esse cum filiis hominum, that is, '' I have placed my delights among the children of man '', because they are innocent and pure, and therefore have not yet become prey to vice.

Particularly remarkable are the delicate complexion and the care with which the features of his face have been defined, so realistic that we could therefore assume it was a real portrait.

The tenderly natural interpretation reveals a representation made by an artist active in the full seventeenth century: with greater precision we can attribute the execution to an Italian (or Flemish) painter active in Lombardy (compare some maternities of Giulio Cesare Procaccini, from which our author must necessarily have been inspired by the representation of the child).

The work is in good condition and comes complete with a beautiful gilded wooden frame.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

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