Saint Joseph with baby Jesus surrounded by a flower garland - Tempera on alabaster marble - Late 16th century

Rare painting on an alabaster marble plate - Late 16th century - Florentine school. Saint Joseph with baby Jesus surrounded by an luscious flower garland. The technique of painting on stone was originally developed in Rome by Sebastiano del Piombo, a rival of Rafael. By the end of the 16th century, these paintings, in which Naturalia - the beauty of nature - was combined with Artifica - the skill and imagination of the artist - were highly sought after among the highest circles of connoisseurs and the aristocracy. It was their way to tame the original cosmic forces - the triumph of man over nature. Paintings on alabaster marble is a support that was both rare and technically challenging. It is painted with flowing, delicate strokes in soft chiaroscuro. Hairline left.