18th-Century Spanish School, Child Jesus Embracing The Cross

18th-Century Spanish School, Child Jesus Embracing The CrossThis early 18th century Spanish oil painting depicts an infant Jesus clutching a cross before a landscape. Dressed in a flowing white robe, as a symbolic reference to purity, the child Jesus is presented holding a crucifix to represent his ultimate fate. Its a juxtaposition of divine innocence and the brutality of mankind. This theme is often depicted in Christian iconography and reminds the viewer of Christs sacrifice to deliver us from the

a group of hardy women tug on thick ropes attached to a stubborn fishing vessel

and large palms

regardless of the latest fashions

Or were the portraits commissioned as part of a larger family group

lavish furnishings and decadent ladies

020 achieved for ‘Die Birken’ at Christie’s in 1990

It’s reminiscent of works by Edwin Hayes RI (1819-1904) who was Bristol-born and often painted heart-pounding seascapes

in this masterly piece from around 1920

Best isn’t seeking to romanticise this verdant countryside

but replaced the grandeur with natural subtleties

Often dressed to the nines

Cattle graze in verdant pasture