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Notes
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According to the Gospel of Matthew, an angel appears to the Virgin Mary’s husband, Joseph, in a dream. Champaigne shows the angel gesturing towards both heaven and the Virgin Mary, confirming that Christ has been conceived through the Holy Ghost. Kneeling in front of an open Bible, Mary glances towards the angel, her arms crossed over her chest. Joseph was the patron saint of workers, particularly carpenters and joiners. He is surrounded by craftsman’s tools and portrayed as a youthful rather than elderly man, as was more common. The ornately carved chair and deeply padded cushion on which he rests his head are at odds with the simplicity of his yellow cloak and sandals. His appearance signifies his humility, which the viewer would have been encouraged to follow.
Title
The Dream of Saint Joseph
Date
1642-3
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 209.5 x W 155.8 cm
Accession number
NG6276
Acquisition method
Bought, 1957
Work type
Painting