St Joseph with the Christ Child

myminifactory

St Joseph stands proudly in an array of flowing drapery, his hands cradling the infant Christ with utmost care. Crafted from painted terracotta and stiffened fabric - likely linen - this sculpture showcases a mastery of colour and emotional depth in its facial expression. The fervent devotion displayed is characteristic of Spanish art during this period. As a young father, St Joseph's cult spread rapidly throughout 17th and 18th century Spain following the Catholic Reformation. He was often depicted alone with the Christ Child, reflecting the widespread reverence for the saint. José Risueño, the skilled sculptor from Granada, excelled in terracotta but also worked with stone and wood. The style of this piece suggests it dates to a later period in his career, possibly influenced by a 1720 wood group he created for S. Ildefonso's high altar in Granada. This valuable terracotta was acquired by the Museum in 1863, likely serving as a devotional item in a chapel before being displayed for public admiration. Gallery location: Europe 1600-1815, Room 7, The Sheikha Amna Bint Mohammed Al Thani Gallery, case CA3 This remarkable object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a groundbreaking initiative by MyMiniFactory to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures and artworks from around the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have unique items you'd like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate. Scanned using Photogrammetry (Processed with Agisoft PhotoScan) Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London