Francesco Solimena (Workshop), The Virgin & Child With Saint Joseph

Francesco Solimena (Workshop), The Virgin & Child With Saint JosephThis early 18th century oil painting by an artist active in the workshop of Francesco Solimena (1657 1747) depicts the Virgin Mary holding the sleeping Christ Child, with Saint Joseph emerging discreetly in the shadows to the left. Expressing both devotion and resignation, the Virgins upward gaze and softly modelled features immediately catch the eye. While the Childs relaxed pose, lying across a white cloth, introduces a subtle note of pathos. The

sought to decorate their homes with paintings that celebrated exotic imported fruit/vegetables

As autumn sets in

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 27” x 19½” / 69cm x 50cmYear of creation: 1910Provenance: Private collection

A characterful portrait of a gentleman wearing a lace jabot and double-breasted coat by Austrian painter

1890Provenance: Private collection

The cushions are tastefully embroidered

Calico printing was first established in Manchester during the 18th century and involved using blocks to impress a design onto cloth

and finally the cat

12½” x 15⅔” / 32cm x 40cm

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 23½” x 28½” / 60cm x 73cmYear of creation: c

Medium: Oil on boardOverall size: 10” x 12” / 26cm x 31cmYear of creation: c

he was known to create a sense of drama by using a candle placed upon a palette