St Joseph with the Infant Jesus (c.1620) by Guido Reni

St Joseph with the Infant Jesus - Guido Reni - c.1620

Artwork Information

TitleSt Joseph with the Infant Jesus
ArtistGuido Reni
Datec.1620
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions126 x 101 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia

About St Joseph with the Infant Jesus

The artwork “St Joseph with the Infant Jesus” by Guido Reni, created around 1620, is an oil on canvas painting that belongs to the Baroque art movement. Measuring 126 x 101 cm, this religious painting is part of the collection at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The artwork depicts a tender and intimate moment between Saint Joseph and the infant Jesus. Saint Joseph is portrayed with aged features, a hallmark of wisdom and compassion, as he lovingly gazes at the Christ child. The infant Jesus, in turn, looks up at Joseph with a sense of trust and affection, highlighting their strong familial bond.

In terms of composition, Saint Joseph is presented holding the Christ child, with their positioning allowing for a close interaction between the two figures. The ample drapery of Joseph’s cloak enfolds the child, adding a layer of protection and intimacy to the scene. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of their forms and reflects the Baroque movement’s emphasis on contrast and movement.

In the background, a landscape provides a serene and idyllic setting, with lush trees and distant mountains contributing to the peaceful aura of the composition. The color palette favors warm earth tones, which are enlivened by the bright orange of Joseph’s cloak. This cloak not only contributes to the aesthetic of the painting but also symbolically represents Joseph’s role as a protector and caretaker.

This piece is emblematic of Reni’s artistry during the Baroque period, demonstrating the characteristic combination of emotional depth, realistic depiction of figures, and dramatic use of light that define many works of the era. The painting invites contemplation of the divine and human aspects of the Biblical narrative, embodied in the close relationship between Joseph and Jesus.

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