Virtual Gallery of St. Joseph

Welcome to the Virtual Gallery of the Josephology Society! This collection of St. Joseph artwork is not intended to be comprehensive. Rather, the following depictions of St. Joseph have been specially curated by the members of the Josephology Society for their special contributions to our understanding of St. Joseph. Enjoy!

St. Joseph and the Christ Child Enthroned with Four Angels

School of Cuzco (Peru), 18th century

Commentary by Rev. Joseph F. Chorpenning, O.S.F.S., S.T.L., Ph.D.

Regal crimson and gold dominate this majestic painting of St. Joseph and the Christ Child Enthroned with Four Angels. The robes of both Joseph and Jesus are densely stamped with gold leaf in floral or feathery patterns—a hallmark of the School of Cuzco. A “cloth of honor” of rich crimson brocade fabric with a gold border hangs behind Joseph and Jesus.

Joseph is portrayed as handsome, youthful, and vigorous. He holds his traditional attribute of the flowering staff, which represents his divine election as the husband of the Mother of God. Through this most sublime and sanctifying marriage, Joseph became the earthly father and guardian of the Son of God. Joseph’s unique relationship with Mary and Jesus is the foundation for his preeminence among the saints—a primary theme in the papal magisterium since Joseph’s proclamation as Patron of the Universal Church in 1870.

Joseph’s crown symbolizes variously the heavenly glory which is his inheritance for the “good works” he performed as Guardian of the Redeemer (cf. the Council of Trent’s decree On Justification); his royal lineage as a member “of the house and family of David” (Luke 2:4); and his sharing by marriage in Mary’s royal title and privileges.

Since the Middle Ages, Mary had been depicted surrounded by angels as the Seat of Wisdom (sedes sapientiae), whose lap served as the Christ Child’s throne. Here Joseph’s arm and lap form Jesus’s throne. The four angels flanking Joseph’s lobulate throne may also allude to the four occasions when, according to Matthew’s Gospel, the saint received divine communications relayed by angelic messengers.

The cartouche at the lower right specifies the indulgences granted for praying seven Our Fathers and seven Hail Marys in honor of the Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph—a devotion which originated with the Capuchins in early 16th century Italy.

St. Joseph & The Christ Child

by Jacob Zumo [LINK]

Zumo's unique style trends more traditional in this depiction of St. Joseph as the Hidden King. This depiction of St. Joseph was one of the many paintings created for Fr. Calloway's Consecration to St. Joseph and the Year of St. Joseph.

Saint Joseph, Custodian of the Two Hearts

By Norman Faucheux [LINK]

Saint Joseph The Worker

By Cecilia Lawrence, BS (Art), aka Theophilia: renowned for her beautiful icons "St. Joseph the Worker" and "Terror of Demons," which appeared in Consecration to St. Joseph, her artwork is inspired by Christ’s Incarnation and her love for theology and history. Depicting saints as relatable people through vibrant iconography and historical realism, her amazing portfolio has been showcased for a million people on DeviantArt and Etsy. Her artistic philosophy is encapsulated by her favorite two mottos: “To contemplate and to give to others the fruits of contemplation” (from the Dominican Order) and “Fight to the death for truth, and the Lord God will fight for you” (Sirach 4:28). Cecilia was the very first special guest interviewed on the Cuppa Joe show on the Josephology YouTube channel. To learn more about her amazing Sacred Art, Icons, and more visit her here: https://www.deviantart.com/theophilia

St. Joseph

Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs, BFA (Art), BS (Physics and Engineering): award-winning sacred artist (and art teacher), based in St. Louis, steeped in the Renaissance and Baroque styles to reveal the glory of God, her art decorates churches, schools, and private homes throughout the Americas and Europe, including a piece she was asked to create in 2017 for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. To see her heavenward artwork, which includes numerous works on St. Joseph, see gwyneththompsonbriggs.com. She sees art as part of the Church’s mission to evangelize and her motto is “Pray that I do His will.” Gwyneth was a special guest on an episode of the Cuppa Joe show. To learn more about this painting or to contact her, visit gwyneththompsonbriggs.com/st-joseph.