Saint Joseph and the Sleeping Christ Child 1670 - 1675

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo rendered Saint Joseph and the Sleeping Christ Child in ink wash, sometime in the 17th century. Murillo was one of the most celebrated artists of the Spanish Baroque, a period marked by religious and political upheaval. Here, Joseph is not the aged, background figure often depicted. Murillo presents Joseph as a young, strong guardian, his gaze tenderly fixed on the sleeping child. The intimacy and humanity Murillo brings to the scene offers a counterpoint to the often distant and formal depictions of religious figures at the time. Consider how the artist has chosen to portray this moment of quiet domesticity. It's as much about the emotional connection between father and child as it is about religious iconography. This invites us to reflect on the personal and relatable aspects of faith, rather than just the grand narratives.