572 - Saint Joseph with the Child. Andean viceregal school. 18th century.

Saint Joseph with the Child. Andean viceregal school. 18th century. Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 125 x 95 cm and 138 x 105 cm. In this devotional image, Saint Joseph is depicted holding the Christ Child with a serene and protective expression. The Child, standing upright and facing the viewer, holds a bouquet of flowers, while in the background a table laden with fruit and a curtain add a touch of drama to the scene. The composition is notable for its balance and symmetry, with a strong vertical emphasis accentuated by the flowering staff held by the saint. The gentle expressions on both faces and the intimate atmosphere reinforce the affectionate and contemplative nature of the work. The technique reveals precise brushwork, with particular attention to the details of the face, hair, and garments, highlighting the silky texture of the fabrics and the delicate treatment of light on the skin. The warm color palette, dominated by reds, ochres, and golds, lends solemnity and intimacy to the scene. This work belongs to the tradition of 18th-century Andean viceregal painting, characterized by intense devotion, standardized iconography, and meticulous execution aimed at transmitting religious values. Dimensions: 125 x 95 cm and 138 x 105 cm.