The technique of painting on copper emerged in the colonial Americas largely as a result of European influence. On the one hand, this is in part due to the arrival of large quantities of works from Flanders to the Spanish empire. But attribution can also be claimed by the presence of Italian painters in the colony, such as Mateo Pérez de Alesio in the Viceroyalty of Peru, whose painting Virgen de Belén, also a work on copper, was engraved by him during the time when he was still practicing in Rome.

Given the widespread availability of the material in the region, the use of copper became a common support for small-format devotional works. Their transportable size made these works ideal for religious educational activities as well as missionary activities, such as those of the Compañía de Jesús (Society of Jesus).

The approach of using a burin on copper, along with the incorporation of other tools from the extensive local traditions of silver and goldsmith work from the region, became an increasingly common technique in the Americas. During the 17th and 18th centuries this hybrid of artistic techniques achieved notable diffusion in the region that is now Bolivia. By combining these metalworking techniques with oil painting, an interesting optical effect was achieved. Over time, common element in these compositions began to emerge, such as the chiseled frame or the cartouche with the saint’s moniker, becoming symbols of the style and time.

The pair of works in the present lot depict St. Francis of Paola and St. Joseph and the Child. St. Francis of Paola (1416-1507) was renowned for his healing powers. He followed the precepts of the Franciscan monks for the Minim Order, which he founded. Pope Sixtus IV sent St. Francis to assist the convalescent Louis XI of France, whom he accompanied until his death, and thus he was also given privy to intercede in diplomatic matters. He was canonized in 1513. The word Charity (Charitas), the motto of his order, is often seen in his representations, such as in this work. St. Joseph is depicted standing, holding the Child Jesus who bears a cross in his arms. In his other hand he holds a bouquet of lilies, one of his attributes. Below him are the tools of his carpentry trade, accompanied by an angel who chaperones.