Two-sided sculpture in patinated terracotta. On one side Saint Joseph seated and carrying the Child Jesus on his lap, on the other side the Virgin Mary in the same posture. Southern Netherlands, entourage of Michiel Van der Voort (Antwerp 1667 - 1737), early 18th century H. 27.5 cm (This double-sided terracotta model is certainly original. The influence of the great Italian masters of the Baroque period is very much in evidence. However, the peaceful looks and tender expressions indicate that we are in the early stages of Classicism, which will change the canons used until then. Michiel Van der Voort is known for having retained the robustness of Michelangelo's models, which he saw during his stay in Italy between 1690 and 1693. He sculpted angels for St Paul's Church in Antwerp that were inspired by those of Bernini for the Ponte San Angelo in Rome. However, Michiel Van der Voort was also inspired by the more classical François du Quesnoy, who sculpted Madonnas with Greek faces and children with locks of curly hair like those of du Quesnoy. The sculptures presented here reflect these different sources, which enabled Michiel Van der Voort's workshop to welcome and train a number of artists and develop the Baroque canons towards 18th-century Antwerp classicism.