The Infant Jesus

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INV ESC.63
Menino Jesus

PLACE/DATE
Belgium, Malines, early 16th century

MATERIALS
Painted wood

DIMENSIONS
28,5 x 16,5 x 11 cm

INV
ESC.63

This polychrome piece represents the Infant Jesus with arms outstretched in an attitude of praise.

The right arm is in a gesture of blessing and the left hand held a crystal cross with a relic of the Holy Cross. It is typical of the Flemish school of Malines, in which the delicate modelling and the rosiness of the face stand out.

Its existence in the Church of São Roque dates back to 1594, where it was kept together with the relics of the altar of the holy martyrs. It was offered by Ana de Lencastre (ca. 1540-1625), 17th commendatory of the Royal Monastery of Santos and one of the most important figures for the understanding of the cult of relics in post-Tridentine Portugal.