VERY FINE POLYCHROMED STATUE OF SAINT JOSEPH CARRYING THE INFANT CHRIST

Probably Spanish circa 17th/18th century

19" H x 7 3/4" D x 8" W (base)

A very fine and rather moving example of Saint Joseph Carrying the Infant Jesus Christ in his proper left arm while his right (now absent) presumably would have held a staff. The infant Jesus Christ looks on with a subtle downcast gaze into an infinite distance with gentle eyes wearing wisdom beyond his years, his hand outstretched and first two fingers (now absent) pointed to heaven. He would likely have held a globe in his other hand (now absent) or perhaps another element as there is a tiny hole in his opposing arm that likely anchored the object.

There is a tenderness in the adopted earthly father of Jesus, his gaze as that of one looking out over a crowd and having a heart for them. Saint Joseph is depicted behind his son, a reserved figure with a deep sense of humility as the guardian of the Christ. His clothing is simple and absent of any grandeur or embellishment, other than the element that likely would have been held in his absent hand. 

The color profile is mellow and immediately captures us, the brilliant yellow against more organic hues of green and teal-blue. Flesh surfaces have been painted with expert gradation to produce brilliant life-like expression in the figures. Both St. Joseph and Jesus are both given inset glass eyes. The angles of the figures and their gaze indicates the statue was intended to be raised above onlookers such that they could together cast their gaze down on the audience.

Probably executed in Grenada, Spain in the 17th / 18th century by an unknown sculptor. A very fine example.

Condition: St. Joseph missing his hand which likely held his staff and lily spray, tiny hole in the top of his head suggests the absence of a halo; losses to the tips of four of Christ's fingers on outstretched hand and the index finger on his proper left hand; Jesus likely held a globe or other element in his other hand, with a tiny hole in the opposing arm where this would have anchored. Base appears to be later, perhaps 19th century, with repairs and gesso composition losses and inpainting. Polychromy appears to be largely original with many small areas of touchup (images under UV available upon request), craquelure throughout, minor losses, shrinkage cracks, gesso visibility and chips. Surface grime and discoloration, would probably benefit from being professionally cleaned and conserved, but we always prefer a figure like this to remain in as-found condition. Losses to gesso around base along with amateur repairs and inpainting. Ready to place.

ref. 603HPP31P