Granada School (XVII) - Purisima (Virgin and Child Giving the Rosary to Saint Francis)

Granada School, 17th century – Virgin and Child Giving the Rosary to Saint Francis
Oil on canvas, 49 × 34 cm (canvas). Unsigned.

A Spanish Baroque devotional painting showing the Virgin enthroned on clouds, crowned with a halo of golden rays and holding a scepter. The Christ Child on her lap hands a rosary down to a kneeling Franciscan friar, probably Saint Francis of Assisi, who looks up with outstretched hands. The warm golden light, rich red and blue-green drapery and dramatic sky are typical of the Granada School of the 17th century, the tradition of Alonso Cano and his followers.

Provenance: An old registry label on the reverse reads "Esc. Granadina siglo XVII – Purísima – 49 × 34 cm", with Registro E.M.S.A. no. 14842, entered 1967.

Condition: Consistent with age. There is general craquelure. There are minor areas of wear, and the canvas may have been relined. The painting would benefit from professional cleaning.

Frame: Later gilded wood frame with a carved ribbon-scroll moulding, a wide wood panel and a gilt slip. The gilding shows wear.

Attribution based on the label on the reverse; sold without a certificate of authenticity.