1359 - Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary Seeking Shelter in Bethlehem. Spanish School. 17th century.

Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary Seeking Shelter in Bethlehem. Spanish School. 17th century. Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 104 x 80 cm; framed: 117 x 94 cm. A highly narrative scene depicting Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary in the biblical episode of their search for lodging in Bethlehem. The composition places the protagonists at the center: Mary, with a resplendent halo and a red tunic covered by a blue mantle, and Joseph, with a staff and an ochre tunic, engaged in conversation with an impassioned innkeeper. Surrounding them, figures from everyday life—women in contemporary attire and a dog in the foreground—enrich the scene with a costumbrista realism. In the background, an urban landscape and the rustic architecture of the inn are visible, set against a sky of warm tones that adds drama. The execution is characterized by firm line work and contrasting colors, in keeping with 17th-century Spanish Baroque naturalism, with a Caravaggist influence in the rendering of light and shadow. The work combines devotion and realism, highlighting the human and spiritual dimensions of the Gospel story. Due to its age and history of use, this lot may show signs of wear and previous interventions. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no specialized technical testing has been performed. The absence of any mention of restorations does not guarantee that none exist. You may request additional information before placing a bid. This does not affect the buyer’s statutory rights.