Spanischer Meister 17. Jahrhundert

Spanish master 17th century The Holy Family with the Archangel Oil on canvas (relined). 171 x 110 cm. The painter of this large altarpiece, depicting the Holy Family with two archangels and cherubs, has not yet been identified. He probably comes from Spain, probably from the area around Seville. Based on the typology of the figures, especially the Christ Child, it can be assumed that he was familiar with the works of the late Murillo. Murillo's artistic development begins with a strong chiaroscuro style and ends in a light-filled, fragrant golden style, which can also be observed here. Another characteristic feature of Andalusian art of the late 17th and early 18th centuries is the playful, popular character with which the painter alludes to the Passion of Christ. Next to the child sitting on straw and holding a wooden cross in his hand, he depicts a woven basket with the instruments of the Passion, the so-called "Arma Christi", and below it, almost casually, a snake as a reference to original sin.