The dream of S. Joseph 

Raúl Berzosa’s painting depicts the biblical scene of Joseph’s dream; a divine messenger appears to him, bathed in heavenly light. The dove, traditionally a symbol of the Holy Spirit, is ever-present, while Joseph’s weary posture speaks of human vulnerability. Here, the angel’s touch is reminiscent of ancient Roman depictions of emperors receiving divine guidance, a motif that recurs in Christian art to signify divine sanction. We see this gesture across time: from the anointing of kings in medieval tapestries to the blessing of saints in Renaissance paintings. Like the ‘pathos formula’ of antiquity, this symbol has reappeared throughout history, each time imbued with new cultural significance. The dream itself is a potent symbol, tapping into our deepest fears and hopes. In this dream, subconscious anxieties find resolution through divine intervention.