18th Century Spanish Painting, Virgin Mary, Immaculate Conception, Oil On Panel

Immaculate Conception, Spanish School. Late 17th century – early 18th century, oil on panel on Flemish wooden frame (later addition)
A great painting for a collector looking for a Baroque “Immaculate Conception” from the Spanish School. The influence of the Spanish Golden Age masters is very much present here. One can almost follow the artist’s footsteps through the streets, monasteries and churches of Seville as he gathered his thoughts for the work from the masterpieces of Murillo, Velazquez and Zubarán that lined the walls of this wonderful early modern city.
Here the artist follows Velazquez (and his appreciation for Caravaggio’s dramatic lighting style) in staging the Conception at night to better highlight Mary and display her holiness. The iconography is splendid: stars encircle the Virgin’s head to signify her holiness; cherubim appear above to signify her connection with the heavens. Light seems to emanate from her head signifying the truth and blessing of Christ (who is the light of the world). Her golden shawl serves as a source of light and plays beautifully with the dark background.
The face and demeanor of the Virgin are deeply expressive. She looks towards the place that will one day welcome her Holy Child. Her gaze is filled with deep compassion, and there is a hint of lament, as if she is contemplating the time, many years from now, when she will have to see her Son on the cross. The cracks give her youthful face a maturity and wisdom beyond her years. A beautiful piece indeed.
Dimensions
50x43 cm.
Condition
Excellent condition overall. No damage, cracks consistent with age.