Saint Joseph and the Infant Jesus c. mid 18th century

This etching, "Saint Joseph and the Infant Jesus," was created by Italian artist Giuseppe Bottani around the mid-18th century. The artwork depicts Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, cradling the infant Jesus in his arms. The image uses strong lines to create a sense of depth and dimension, highlighting the tender interaction between the two figures. The rays of light above Saint Joseph's head suggest a divine presence, emphasizing his role as a protector and caretaker. This work exemplifies Bottani's mastery of etching, a popular technique used for reproducing images in the 18th century.