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San Jose
From the collection of Smithsonian American Art Museum. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
For Catholics in Puerto Rico, one of St. Joseph's powers is his ability to comfort the dying. Like many santos, this one has lost the symbols that would have identified the saint immediately. Joseph usually holds carpenter's tools or a flowering staff; sometimes he is shown holding the Christ child to emphasize his role as protector. In this santo, Joseph's sympathetic expression conveys his quiet, compassionate nature.
Smithsonian American Art Museum’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineSan Jose. early 18th century. Master of "La Merced", active 18th century. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection. CC0.
