Lot 1018 Dα

The painter of this large altarpiece, depicting the Holy Family with two archangels and cherubs, has not yet been identified. He probably comes from Spain, perhaps from the neighbourhood of Seville. Given the typology of the figures, especially the Christ Child, it can be assumed that he was familiar with the works of the late Murillo. Murillo's artistic development begins with a strong chiaroscuro style and ends in a light-filled, fragrant golden style, which can also be observed here. Characteristic of Andalusian art of the late 17th and early 18th centuries is also the playful, popular character with which the painter refers to the Passion of Christ. Next to the Child sitting on straw and holding a wooden cross in His hand, He places a weaved basket with the instruments of the Passion, the so-called "Arma Christi", and below it, almost casually, a snake as a reference to original sin.