The Christening

Inside an opulent palace bedroom in semi-darkness, a gentleman holding his new-born son in his arms, goes towards his wife in order to show him to her. She is still in bed, being taken care of by her old mother and a servant. The baby and his godfather, escorted by a little boy with a wax candle, head a joyful procession which seems to be returning from the christening, under the gaze of the priest and another gentleman with his back to the viewer.

The picture shows the most characteristic side of this Catalonian painter of scenes of “casacón”1 set in 18th century society, which monopolised the greatest part of his production intended for sale. In an effort to compensate for his mediocre talent for drawing, Llovera nevertheless distanced himself from the preciosity of Fortuny that was in fashion during the last quarter of the century
and instead concentrated on anecdotic details, extremely vivid colouring, contrasts of light, showiness of dress and an almost cloying over-ornateness of brocades and lace edging.