Cuzco School of the 18th century. "Holy Family,... Lot 12

Cuzco School of the 18th century. "Holy Family, Saint John, the Trinity and the Angels". Oil on canvas in its original canvas. Consolidated on the back with silk paper. New stretcher. Slight repainting and losses on the upper edge. Measurements: 94,5 x 77 cm; 107 x 89 cm (frame). Although the Virgin and Child is the one in charge of centring this variegated composition, the artist completes the scene with numerous iconographic motifs. Thus, Mary and the Child are surrounded by Saint Joseph (thus acquiring the iconography of the Holy Family); by God the Father Almighty and the dove of the Holy Spirit (adopting the form of the Trinity); by Saint John Child with the Lamb of God and, finally, by a retinue of angels holding flowers and different Marian attributes in their hands. Formally, we are faced with a work that has its roots in European Baroque, with a break in glory that exalts the figures. Particularly noteworthy is the artist's attention to detail in the clothing of the Virgin and Child, with transparent tulle, embroidery and trimmings of great quality. It is worth noting that during Spanish colonial rule, painting was mainly religious in nature, aimed at Christianising the indigenous peoples. Local painters were modelled on Spanish works, which they followed literally in terms of type and iconography. The most frequent models were harquebusier angels and triangular virgins; however, in the early years of the 19th century, at the time of independence and the political opening up of some of the colonies, several artists began to represent a new model of painting with its own identity.