The Infant Jesus, Lombard Painter active in the 17th century

Lombard Painter active in the 17th century The Infant Jesus Oil on canvas (70 x 82 cm., in ancient frame 78 x 91 cm.) The complete details of this painting can be consulted at the following - link - This painting depicts an unusual yet pleasant iconographic theme, seldom used by Christian tradition but here represented following a peculiar iconography that places the Divine child lying on a white cloth spread in a small, low manger of straw; the sacred scene is set in a sort of childlike alcove, from which a natural view opens onto the background, with white sheets and a pillow. Jesus is awake and looks directly at the viewer, not asleep as in most works of this type, and in a serene and lively attitude, with the carefree spirit 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 sacrifice. This is therefore a sacred painting which, due to its probable purpose as a good luck gift for a birth, is not shrouded in any excess of religiosity. Near the child 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 tenderest age, to be virtuous, citing as motivation the great love that God bestows upon man, especially from 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 noteworthy are his delicate skin tone and the care with which the facial features have been defined, so realistic that we might suppose it was a true portrait. The tenderly natural interpretation reveals a depiction executed by an artist active in the full seventeenth 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 good condition and is complete with a beautiful gilded wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting will be 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 assist you. Follow us also on : https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/