Circle of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Saint Joseph with the Christ Child, 17th Century, Oil on Canvas & Wood, Framed

Details

Description

**Title:**
Circle of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (Spanish Baroque School, 17th Century) – Saint Joseph with the Christ Child

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A … Read more **Title:**
Circle of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (Spanish Baroque School, 17th Century) – Saint Joseph with the Christ Child

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A tender and intimately devotional antique oil painting on canvas from the **circle of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo** (Seville, 1617–1682), depicting **Saint Joseph with the Christ Child**. Saint Joseph, portrayed as a young and affectionate father, gently holds the infant Jesus in his arms. The Child, dressed in a vibrant red tunic, reaches playfully toward a vase of lilies (symbolizing purity and innocence), while Joseph's gaze is filled with paternal love and reverence. The composition is warm and human, set against a dark background with soft, diffused light and subtle clouds, emphasizing the emotional bond and divine serenity.

This work reflects Murillo's renowned "estilo vaporoso" (vaporous style) from his mature period (c. 1650–1675), where he often humanized religious figures in intimate, sentimental scenes. The present example is a high-quality variation executed in his influential Seville workshop or by a close follower, capturing the widespread popularity of such motifs in 17th-century Spanish Baroque devotional art.

**Technique and Condition:**
Oil on canvas. The painting exhibits pronounced natural **craquelure** consistent with 17th-century works, adding to its authentic aged patina. Brushwork is fluid and expressive, with soft blending for the warm flesh tones and energetic strokes for the drapery and floral details. The surface shows minor age-related darkening from old varnish but remains in good antique condition; professional cleaning would enhance its luminosity.

Presented in an elaborate carved and gilded frame with Baroque motifs (likely added later in the 18th–19th century).


**Attribution:**
Circle of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (Spanish School, 17th century). The intimate composition, playful Christ Child, symbolic lilies, and vaporous lighting closely follow Murillo's archetypal models for Saint Joseph scenes, likely produced in his workshop or by a direct follower.

Provenance:
Formerly in a European private collection; acquired on the Vienna antiques market (Austria). The object has been in Europe for several decades. See less