Smithsonian American Art Museum
San Jose
Arce group, mid 19th to early 20th centuries · late 19th-early 20th century
Joseph was a popular subject for artists in Spain and in the colonies. He is often shown as an old man with a budding staff in his hand, symbolizing God’s selection of him to be Mary’s husband. His other symbols are carpenter’s tools and the lily, a symbol of purity.
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