Spanish School, XVII century "Blond Baby Jesus... Lot 26

Spanish School, XVII century "Blond Baby Jesus with the Ball". Carved, polychromed and gilded wood. Measures:54 x 24,5 cm (carving); 65 x 23,5 x 20,5 cm (total) Image of round bulk carved in wood and polychrome, framed within the Spanish school of the seventeenth century. It represents the iconography of the Child of the Ball, and Jesus appears naked, which indicates that it is an image designed to be dressed in royal clothes. In spite of this, the carving is magnificently worked in all its details, which indicates the quality of the piece and the mastery and prestige of its author. The iconography of the Child of the Ball alludes to the universality of the Christian doctrine, and consists of the representation of the Child Jesus with a sphere that represents the universe, placed in his hand or under his feet. It is a Triumphant Child, Savior of the World, and symbolizes the idea of Jesus as man and savior, lord of all the Earth, which he redeems with his death and resurrection. It is an iconography that combines divine power and grace with the happy innocence and humble condition of God incarnate: the omnipotence of the Son, being a child with the orb in his hand, like a little boy with his ball. This figuration is also characterized by the gesture of blessing and the absence of any painful trace. The cross that tops the ball is a symbol alluding to the universal projection of the redemptive act.