Joseph with the Christ Child

This masterpiece is an image of Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus. I love the richness of this painting, which portrays Joseph as an elderly man, perhaps to show he is more of a fatherly protector to the Virgin and Child than a young, handsome husband. Some prefer one, others the other. Either way, there is beauty and holiness shown forth in some way.In a way, when I look at this image, I think of God the Father, with his only begotten Son. Joseph indeed symbolizes that fatherly, caring, generous image of our heavenly Father, as all earthly fathers are called to imitate.Saint Joseph is a powerful patron for many, a few of which include families, virgins, carpenters, workers. fathers, a happy death, and not the least, the whole Church, the body of Christ! Also known as "terror of demons", Joseph is everyone's friend and protector.Guido Reni lived from 1575-1642, from Bologna, Italy. He produced a series of these older Joseph's holding baby Jesus, and this is by far our favorite. Painted around 1635. Oil on canvas. Original 126x101 cm. Acquired by the Hermitage (St.Petersburg) in 1850 from an sale of the collection of the Netherlands King William II in The Hague. 8.5 x 11 acid-free paper with archival ink. The print will last for generations when kept out of the direct sun. There is about an inch-and-a-third of white space around the picture. Cardboard backer. Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag.IMPORTANT!!! The image is smaller than the paper. Standard size. If you would like us to frame it for you, please select a frame above. Text and Image Alterations © Sue Kouma Johnson You might also be interested in original Catholic art and jewelry by me, Sue Kouma Johnson, available all over this shop! Thanks!