Lombard School Artist, Saint Joseph Portrait, 1690, Oil on Canvas, Framed

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Description

17th-Century Lombard School
Saint Joseph with a Flowering Staff

Oil on oval canvas
92 x 70 cm. - In an … Read more 17th-Century Lombard School
Saint Joseph with a Flowering Staff

Oil on oval canvas
92 x 70 cm. - In an antique frame 106 x 85 cm.

The work depicts a powerful image of Saint Joseph, portrayed according to classical iconography, which depicts him as a mature man holding a staff blooming with lilies, a symbol of the Virgin's purity.

This iconographic attribute also alludes to his being chosen by God as Mary's future husband. According to the apocryphal gospels, the Virgin grew up in the Temple of Jerusalem, following a monastic lifestyle. When she reached marriageable age, each of the suitors was given a dry branch, awaiting a divine sign. The only branch that blossomed was that of Joseph, who in our painting holds it in his left hand.

In his hands, he holds a book, presumably the First Gospel, whose first pages narrate his betrothal to Mary.

The work, belonging to the 17th-century Lombard school, shows strong affinities with the style of the renowned master Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (Milan, 1609-1662), a style characterized by great expressive force, yet characterized by a soft brushstroke, playing on delicate nuances and chromatic tones, and also characterized by a remarkable softness of light.

This work is a perfect example of Nuvolone's ability to render the softness and vivid light of the complexion of the face and chest, with the delicate fingers tapering as they hold the Gospel, as well as the flowing hair and beard.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold complete with a beautiful gilded wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic . 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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