Artist: Spanish School, second half of the 18th century, attributed to the influence of Domingo Martínez

Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 69 x 58 cm (27.2 x 22.8 inches)

Condition Report: The painting has been relined for preservation and displays faults, including areas of repainting. It remains in stable overall condition.

Description:
This oval-format painting depicts the tender scene of Saint Joseph with the Christ Child, a subject designed to emphasize the paternal and filial bond between the two figures. Saint Joseph is shown standing, cradling the naked Child in his arms, while the Child rests atop a symbolic attribute of his putative father. The figures are framed by a serene landscape, with a luminous "break of glory" in the upper portion of the composition, creating a celestial atmosphere that underscores the holiness of the moment.

The work's stylistic features suggest an affinity with the Sevillian master Domingo Martínez (1688–1749), one of the leading painters of the Spanish Baroque and Rococo period. Martínez, a celebrated artist of his time, was known for his emotive religious scenes and his ability to combine Murillo's influence with the French Rococo sensibilities introduced by artists like Jean Ranc and Louis-Michel van Loo. His works reflect a refined sense of composition, rich coloring, and delicate treatment of devotional subjects, which are echoed in this piece.

Signature: Unsigned

Provenance:
The work's stylistic elements and technique connect it to the Sevillian school and the legacy of Domingo Martínez, a master who left an indelible mark on religious painting in 18th-century Spain. Martínez’s influence is evident in the intimate portrayal of figures and the dynamic use of light, which conveys a spiritual depth.

Notes:
Domingo Martínez, known for his contributions to the Sevillian school, declined an invitation to become court painter to Philip V, choosing to remain in Seville. His notable commissions included works for the Cathedral of Seville, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación in Umbrete, and several portraits of ecclesiastical and royal figures. Paintings attributed to him or his workshop can be found in the Seville Museum of Fine Arts and other prestigious collections.