Westcoast Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Title: The Child Jesus Embracing the Cross
Medium: Oil on canvas
M Gordon Cummin with restoration and the picture restored by F. Haines & Sons of Fulham Rd. London probably circa 1880-1900.
Period: Late 17th century
73cm x 61cm x 6cm overall with the frame and the painting measured at 54 x 43
This theme is often represented in the Christian iconography, depicting both Christ’s childhood as well as His death. The serene beauty of the Child Jesus, who is depicted wearing an ethereal white garment as a symbol of purity, is in stark contrast with the cross He embraces – foreseeing His destiny. The peaceful, innocent gaze of the Infant Jesus is at odds with the brutality of the death he would experience upon the very instrument of torture and death he not only holds, but embraces.
This particular work is distinctly Spanish in style and close to the work of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1618-1682). It is by an extremely accomplished hand and is executed with great skill and talent - in particular the execution of the anatomy and the treatment of the billowing, wispy robe worn by the Christ child. A similar work of equal quality is held in the collection of the Ducal Palace of Braganza. Considering the quality of this painting and its provenance on the note verso, this is undoubtedly an historically important, museum quality piece.
There is an engraving of the Child Jesus by Mariano Sigüenza, which is presumed to be based on an oil painting by Bartolomé Murillo. It is recorded as being held at the Royal Academy of San Carlos in Valencia and believed to be now in a private collection, but we are unable to identify its whereabouts. The engraving is believed to date from the late 18th to early 19th century.
The label on verso reads: Painting of Saint John (infant) bot (sic) in April 1879 in Palma di Mallorca, Balearic Islands, by Digby 9th Lord Middleton & his wife E.M Gordon Cumming. The frame was repainted and gilded to original design and the picture restored by F. Haines & Sons of Fulham Rd. It is the so called "Marguida"?. Bort (sic) originally about £8 (EMM)
Condition report: The painting had been professionally cleaned and some small areas of retouching and relacquering. Originally restored circa 100 years ago and lined at that time. There are areas of craquelure throughout the paint surface which is stable and even. The canvas is in good tension. The later 19th century French Empire frame has been refurbished and is offered as a gift but in clean and good condition
Westcoast Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
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Painting of the Child Jesus Embracing the Cross, Circle of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1618-1682)
