Saint Joseph and the Christ Child
Artist
José Campeche y Jordán
(Puerto Rican, 1751-1809)
Dateca. 1782
Object number95.2134
Mediumoil on panel
Dimensions13 9/16 x 10 3/16 in. (34.4 x 25.8 cm)
frame: 17 3/8 x 14 x 2 in. (44.1 x 35.6 x 5.1 cm)
frame: 17 3/8 x 14 x 2 in. (44.1 x 35.6 x 5.1 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineMuseo de Arte de Ponce. The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, Inc.
Collections
DescriptionCampeche was one of the most important early modern painters of the Americas. This painting illustrates how his style underwent a significant transformation after 1775, when his stiff figures and dull settings gave way to a livelier, more colorful style characterized by flowing lines and vibrant hues. This shift has been linked to the arrival of Spain’s Rococo painter, Luis Paret y Alcázar, who was exiled to the island by the Spanish crown between 1775 and 1778.
"Saint Joseph and the Christ Child" demonstrates how Campeche assimilated Paret’s style. The elongated figure is dressed in flowing robes that seem to have a life of their own. Campeche applied delicate layers of thin paint, creating shimmering effects. He also added white highlights to emphasize specific details, enhancing the sense of volume and movement.
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José Campeche y Jordán
Central panel 1807; side panels, before 1807
