Andalusian school of the XVIII century.
"St. John with Child".
Carved and polychrome wood. With silver elements.
Measurements: 71 x 29 x 27 cm.
Devotional image carved in round and polychrome, representing St. Joseph full body, standing, with the Child in the left arm, extending the right in an open and dynamic composition, clearly baroque, which acquires monumentality and expressiveness through the magnificent work of the cloths, chiaroscuro and moved. The Child appears naked, looking at the saint, with the left hand holding a sphere, symbol of the universality of Christian doctrine, and the right hand bringing it close to his chest. The carving is completed with silver elements, such as St. Joseph's staff or the child's ball of the world.
Until the Counter-Reformation, the most common thing was that the figure of St. Joseph remained in the background, since no theological importance was given to him. However, after Trent, his leading role as Jesus' protector during his childhood, as a guide during his years of youth, was recovered, and as such he is represented here. In contrast to the tenderness, defenselessness and candor of the infant figure, St. Joseph is presented as a monumental character, typically baroque, an impression that is reinforced by the pyramidal composition. Through this form of representation, the author visually enhances the decisive role as protector of the putative father of Jesus.