On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01102
- Author
- Ribera, José de (Spanish)
- Title
- Saint Joseph and the Christ Child
- Chronology
- Ca. 1632
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 126 cm x 100 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Saint Joseph holds a flowered
staff. He is accompanied by the
Christ Child, who offers him a
basket with carpentry tools,
alluding to the saint's
profession.
The worship of Saint Joseph was
especially favored by the Council
of Trent and devotion to him became
especially widespread in Spain,
where numerous paintings were also
made.
The technique used in this
painting, with outstanding
chiaroscuros that illuminate only
the most important details of the
composition, denotes the influence
of the Italian painter,
Caravaggio.
This work was rescued from the fire
at Madrid's Alcázar Palace in 1734
and appeared in the 1747, 1772 and
1794 inventories of the new Royal
Palace built in its place.
Location on the map
