Painting. Saint Joseph with Jesus (Catholic tradition)
- Inv. #
- НДФ-4027
- Century
- 19th century
- Category
- Icons
- Tags
- Techniques
Description
The painting shows a full-length image of Saint Joseph with the Infant Jesus in his arms. Joseph stands on billowing clouds against a sky with grayish-blue clouds and breaks of blue below. Saint Joseph, a man of middle age, with dark hair, a short beard and mustache, his head inclined toward the Infant and his eyelids lowered. He wears a dark-purple chiton and an ochre-golden himation falling in folds, his feet bare. In his lowered right hand he holds the stem of a white lily with several open blossoms and buds, as well as a long, thin staff resting on a cloud. On his left arm is the Infant, his hips wrapped in gray fabric. Christ raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing; his hair is fair and curly, and around his head is a light circular halo of radiance.
Legend: the Catholic icon of Saint Joseph with the Infant Jesus shows the image of Christ's earthly guardian, tenderly holding the young Jesus in his arms or leading him by the hand. This image symbolizes fatherly love, care, and strong family bonds. The lilies in Joseph's hands symbolize his purity and righteousness.