Virgin and Child with Saint Joseph, Italy 17th century

The seated Virgin holds the Christ Child close, cheek to cheek, as he tenderly caresses her face. Behind them, Saint Joseph leans on a low wall and watches them thoughtfully. The scene takes place in a classical architectural setting that opens on the right onto a landscape of ruins with a circular temple. A grisaille bas-relief decorates the pedestal in the foreground, and a cradle draped with linen stands on the left.

The vividly coloured drapery and the intimate composition are typical of the workshop of the Cavaliere d’Arpino, one of the most celebrated painters in Rome around 1600.

Blackened wood frame with ripple mouldings.