Both the artist and the subject matter of this work, formerly included in the bank’s inventory as a Holy Family by an anonymous Dutch painter, were identified by Matías Díaz Padrón.

This little copper piece is highly representative of the work of Francken II, one of a long dynasty of painters with a mannerist background, refined technique and an acute narrative sense. Remaining on the sidelines of the great upheaval brought about by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), he specialised in rather monotonous small-scale religious or biblical compositions, peopled with characters with vivid expressions and vibrant colours.

After a short stay in Italy as a young man, Francken II, also known as Frans the Younger, began to include unusual elements in his compositions, like those to be seen here in the furniture, very much in tune with the mannerist taste of the time.

The scene takes place in a spacious open portico, in sharp contrast to iconographic convention which usually depicted it in an ornate temple interior. In compliance with Catholic tradition and against Judaic conventions, St Joseph and the Virgin Mary are present. The two old priests are performing the circumcision on the Child, who opens his arms in a gesture foreshadowing his crucifixion. The monumental candelabrum held by a young server probably signals the flame of Purification, an episode sometimes added to or even mistaken with the Holy Circumcision.