Roman Master, second half of the 17th century, John and Jesus as Boys with St. Rochus, St. Francis of Paula and St. Francis Xavier, Roman Master, second half of the 17th century, John and Jesus as Boys with St. Rochus, St. Francis of Paula and St. Francis

62 × 75 cm

In the landscape, John the Baptist and Jesus in childhood lovingly play with the Lamb of God. John shows the lamb as his playmate and Jesus strokes its head. To their left, three saints kneel and show awe at the scene. The saint in front is St. Rochus, dressed like a pilgrim, laying his pilgrim's staff and hat on the ground. Behind him is Francis of Paola, the founder of the Paulan order. He is looking at the sky, hands on his chest. The third appears to be the Jesuit, Francis Xavier; holding a crucifix and again, dressed as a pilgrim. The theme with baby John, Jesus and the lamb, appeared often in Peter Paul Rubens. He transformed the symbol of the Baptist into an emotional genre scene with deep theological content, which became very popular and was often copied, and quoted.
This work may have served as a votive image.
Oil on canvas
62 × 75 cm