Spanish school; 18th century.

Spanish school; 18th century. "San Jose with Child". Oil on bronze. Measurements: 17 x 11,5 cm. Until the Counter-Reformation, the most common thing was that the figure of Saint Joseph remained in the background, since he was not given any theological importance. After Trent, however, his leading role as the protector of Jesus during his childhood and as a guide during his youth was recovered, and he is depicted here as such. In contrast to the tenderness, defencelessness and candour of the infant figure, Saint Joseph is presented as a monumental figure, an impression that is reinforced by the pyramidal composition. Through this form of representation, the artist visually emphasises the decisive role of Jesus' putative father as protector. In this work the artist presents us with a devotional scene, which is notable for the tenderness that the artist tries to convey to the viewer. To this end, he arranges Saint Joseph with the Child in his arms in the centre of the composition, with a very close gesture between the two, who gaze tenderly at each other, ignoring the presence of the viewer. The technique is notable for its vaporous brushstrokes, resulting in an atmospheric image full of blurs, which make up a suggestive veiled image. The tonalities, ochre and bluish, oscillate between them, melting into each other, resulting in a peaceful image, where the colour is harmoniously related, without making contrasts or demarcating elements of discordance.