Scanned from a slide by Jimmy Brown; color-correction by Pat Cagney.

Virgin and Child with Saint Joseph

Artist Eustache Le Sueur (French, 1616-1655)

Date1651

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Overall, Frame: 43 3/4 x 43 1/2 in. (111.1 x 110.5 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.675

Terms

Religious
Virgin
Child
Joseph
Religion
Saints
Jesus
Holy Family
Christianity
White
Brown
Blue
Mauve
Classical

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

On view

DescriptionThis is a tondo shaped oil on canvas painting. The ivy covered classical columns behind the three figures create strong vertical lines in the painting. The stone wall behind the figures produces the effect of a secure horizontal. Mary's blue drape falls over her lap and spills onto the ground, forming the back drop for the Christ child, happily naked and reaching out to take the wild flowers from St. Joseph's hand. Mary sits piously, her hands folded as if in prayer. Her face is pale and she is dressed in mauve. Joseph has a ruddy complexion and gray hair. He kneels before the Christ child his staff in his left hand. The background shows blue sky, a palm tree and a figure receding in the distance. The small retreating figure is still visible due to his brightly colored garments; he doesn't blend into the background.

Label TextEustache Le Sueur French, 1616–1655 Virgin and Child with Saint Joseph, 1651 Oil on canvas Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.675