Giovan Battista Salvi, known as "il Sassoferrato" (1609 - 1685) circle/follower Antique painting 'Jesus with the client's son' (or Saint Joseph with the Child, or 'Fatherhood') Oil on canvas (76 x 59 cm, with a temple-shaped frame that is not from the same period, 99 x 84 cm) All details relating to this painting can be viewed at the following - link - The interesting canvas that we are pleased to offer you recalls the iconographic model of classic fatherhood, which traditionally sees Saint Joseph tenderly holding the sleeping baby Jesus in his arms. Although common popular tradition would have him as a mature man, in reality the Bible does not mention Joseph's age when Jesus came into the world, and therefore there has been no shortage of painters, of all eras, who have portrayed him in his youth, as could be the case with our painting. One aspect that makes our work extremely intriguing, however, and which deserves a deeper interpretation, is the face of Joseph, whose somatic features unequivocally recall those that we habitually identify with Christ. A possible alternative and certainly original reading, the one we prefer, could be the one that sees Christ holding a child in his hands, joined to the figure of the client of the work of art, therefore a painting commissioned for a birth or as a auspicious gift, from whose affective interaction between father and son a strong sense of tenderness and protection emerges together. Turning now to the stylistic aspects, we are faced with a painting presenting the unmistakable requirements of devotional depictions which made the workshop of Giovan Battista Salvi known as Sassoferrato famous, although it illustrates a subject that is rather unusual compared to his canonical iconography, more linked to single Marian depictions or with the Child. Sassoferrato, from the name of his native city in the Marche region, trained in Rome together with Domenichino, coming into contact with the classicism of the great masters of the past, in particular Raphael, his continuous source of inspiration. Our author, active between the 17th and 18th centuries, must necessarily have studied the works of Sassoferrato, celebrated for his easel paintings of devotional subjects characterized by a refined intimacy, a character that we find evident in the present painting. The remarkable elegance in the description of the figure of Joseph (or Christ) and the serene composure of his expression convey a sensation of solemn sacredness, in a composition far from any reference to the Passion. We believe this painting to be extremely evocative as well as excellently made, characterized by a bright chromatic drafting and irradiated by a clear light, typical prerogatives of Salvi's palette, which clearly highlight the smooth surface of the composition. Finally, mention should be made of the author's incredible ability to take up again from his style that beautiful play of light and shadows, emphasized by the perfection of the nuances that define the harmonious forms, with the result that the two protagonists seem to be irradiated by a halo of supernatural light. The state of conservation of the work appears to be good, with some old restoration. The painting is completed by a pleasant small temple-shaped frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/