"Saint Anthony of Padua with the Child Jesus"
Oil on canvas, 60 x 81 cm
Circle of Stefano Maria Legnani, known as Legnanino (Milan, 1661 - 1713).
The painting depicts Saint Anthony of Padua holding the Child Jesus, according to one of the most beloved iconographies of the Christian tradition. The scene is inspired by a mystical vision that, according to legend, the saint had during prayer, in which the Child Jesus appeared to him and placed himself in his arms.
Dressed in the typical Franciscan habit, a symbol of humility and dedication, Saint Anthony is often represented with other iconographic attributes, such as the lily - a symbol of purity - and the book, which recalls his theological wisdom and skill in preaching.
This image aims to emphasize the intimate connection between the saint and Christ, and embodies values ??of sweetness, tenderness and profound spirituality. The theme has enjoyed great success in the Baroque era, but is also present in numerous works of the Renaissance and popular devotional painting.
