Virgin and Child with St Joseph
The suave depiction of the Holy Family represents the end of the Baroque in Italy just before it gave way to neo classicism in the years after 1750. The robustness of 17th century has given way to a sweetness and sentimentality, which runs through a good deal of Italian early 18th century religious painting. The poverty of Christâs family is lost in the artistâs quest for smooth surfaces and elegant colours.
