Lombard Artist, Baby Jesus, 1650, Oil on Canvas, Framed

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Description

Lombard painter active in the 17th century
baby jesus
oil on canvas (70 x 82 cm, in an antique frame … Read more Lombard painter active in the 17th century
baby jesus
oil on canvas (70 x 82 cm, in an antique frame 78 x 91 cm)

this painting depicts an unusual yet delightful iconographic theme, occasionally used in christian tradition, but here depicted following a peculiar iconography that places the divine child lying on a white cloth spread in a small, low straw manger. The sacred scene is set in a sort of child's alcove, from which a natural glimpse opens into the background, with white sheets and a pillow.

jesus is awake and gazes directly at the viewer, not asleep as in most of this type of work, but in a serene and lively pose, with the carefree attitude of any newborn child. Above all, the scene is devoid of the usual attributes of the passion or other references that might evoke his future sacrifice.
it is therefore a sacred painting that, by virtue of its probable destination as an auspicious gift for a birth, is not shrouded in excessive religiosity.

near the child is a scroll with the biblical inscription "deliciae meae esse cum filiis hominum" (prov. Vii, 31). This message is based on the invitation to every man, from his tender years, to be virtuous, citing as its motivation the great love that god pours out upon man, especially from childhood. Hence the meaning of the phrase deliciae meae esse cum filiis hominum, meaning "i have taken delight in the children of men," because they are innocent and pure, and therefore not yet prey to vice.

particularly remarkable are the delicate complexion and the care with which the facial features were defined, so realistic that we might therefore assume it was a true portrait.
the tenderly natural interpretation reveals a depiction by an artist active in the mid-17th century. More precisely, we can attribute the work to an italian (or flemish) painter active in lombardy (compare some maternity paintings by giulio cesare procaccini, which must have inspired our artist's depiction of the child).

the work is in good condition and comes complete with a beautiful gilded wooden frame.

additional information:

the painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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