Saint Joseph 1822 - 1855

This is Joel Ballin's rendering of Saint Joseph, made in the 19th century. At its heart, the image depicts Joseph holding the infant Jesus. Both figures are graced with halos, potent symbols of holiness and divine grace. But consider the lilies Joseph holds, emblems of purity and resurrection, that appear in Annunciation scenes across centuries and cultures. The lily is a symbol that transcends its botanical origins, echoing through Fra Angelico's frescoes and Flemish tapestries alike. This symbol serves as a visual shorthand for the purity of the Virgin and the divine conception. The motif of a protective father figure caring for a child touches on the archetypal, echoing images of the Madonna and Child, reaching even further back to ancient depictions of fertility gods nurturing infant deities. These symbols stir something primal within us, resonating with our deepest-seated notions of family, protection, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. The enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into our collective memory, triggering emotions and associations that transcend time.