Jesus Child, Lombard Painter active in the 17th century

Lombard Painter active in the 17th century Jesus Child Oil on canvas (70 x 82 cm, in an antique frame 78 x 91 cm.) The complete details of this painting can be viewed at the following - link - This painting depicts an unusual yet pleasing iconographic theme, occasionally used by Christian tradition but here represented following a peculiar iconography that places the Divine child resting on a white cloth spread in a small and low manger of straw; the sacred scene is set in a sort of infantile alcove, from which a natural view opens onto the background, with white sheets and pillow. Jesus is awake and looks directly at the viewer, not sleeping as in most works of this type, and with a serene and lively attitude, with the carefree nature of any newborn child, and above all, the scene is devoid of the usual attributes of the Passion or other references that might evoke his future of sacrifice. This is therefore a sacred painting that, due to its probable intended use as a propitious gift for a birth, is not enveloped by any excessive religiosity. Near the little one is a cartouche 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 age, to be virtuous, citing as a reason the great love that God pours upon man, especially since childhood. Hence the meaning of the phrase Deliciae meae esse cum filiis hominum, meaning "I have placed my delights among the children of men," because they are innocent and pure, and therefore have not yet become prey to vice. Particularly remarkable are his delicate complexion and the care with which the features of the face have been defined, so realistic that we could therefore assume it was a true portrait. The tenderly natural interpretation reveals a depiction by an artist active in the full 17th century: more precisely, we can attribute the execution to an Italian (or Flemish) painter active in Lombardy (compare some maternities by Giulio Cesare Procaccini, from which our author must necessarily have drawn inspiration for the depiction of the child). The work is in a good state of conservation and is complete with a beautiful gilded wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on : https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/