Lombard School of the 17th Century
Saint Joseph with a flowering staff
Oval oil on canvas
92 x 70 cm. - In antique frame 106 x 85 cm.
The complete details of this work can be found directly at the following - LINK -
The work shows us an intense image of Saint Joseph, portrayed according to the classical iconography that sees him as a mature man holding a staff from which lilies bloom, a symbol of the Virgin's purity.
This iconographic attribute also alludes to his figure as chosen by God as the future husband of Mary; according to the apocryphal gospels, the Virgin had grown up in the Temple of Jerusalem, following a monastic lifestyle, and when she came of marrying age, each of the suitors was given a dry branch, awaiting a divine sign: the only one that bloomed was that of Joseph, who in our painting holds it with his left hand.
In his hands he holds a book, presumably the First Gospel, in whose first pages there is the story of his betrothal to Mary.
The work, belonging to the Lombard school of the seventeenth century, has strong affinities with the style of the famous master Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (Milan, 1609 - 1662), with a style characterized by great expressive force, although based on a soft texture, played on delicate nuances and chromatic tones, and also characterized by an appreciable luminous sweetness.
This work is a perfect example of Nuvolone's ability to render the softness and the flamboyant light of the flesh of the face and chest, with the delicate fingers that taper off as they hold the gospel, as well as the vaporous hair and beard.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is sold complete with a pleasant gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet.
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In the event of the purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit that takes approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase up to obtaining it. All the costs of this operation are included.
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