St. Joseph with the Child

St. Joseph with the Child "the Paternity"
Workshop of Francesco de Mura (Naples 1696-1782)

Oil on canvas
Period about 1740
Canvas size 76 x 60 frame cm. 93 x 76

One of the most successful interpretations of the "Paternity" performed in the workshop of the famous Neapolitan Maestro Francesco de Mura, with a truly loving image that is able to significantly express the theme of the Father's affection for his Son

St. Joseph lovingly gathers the Child in his Paternal arms.

The Piccolo's body is naked to increase its natural attachment and the two faces touch cheek to cheek, recalling the iconographic typology of the "Virgin of Tenderness"

The quality of this painting is truly remarkable and the perfect balance between strength and intrinsic elegance is evident in the stylistic and chromatic characteristics of De Mura.

The drafting of the brushstrokes is quick and without frills, but extremely precise and of exceptional descriptive yield.

In fact, the work is to be included among his most mature production, between 1750 and 1760 considered the most significant artistic moment of his very long activity.

Now famous and celebrated as one of the greatest exponents of Rococo, from his excellent workshop come works of the highest level commissioned to embellish the most important churches and the homes of wealthy southern nobles.

Ours was certainly intended for private devotion, as its pleasantness and easy-to-place measures demonstrate.

The painting is on the first canvas still on the original frame and its condition is equally excellent.

It has been cleaned and protective varnish applied (last photo before cleaning).