‘Saint Joseph and the Child’ is inaugurated as the Piece of the Month

The piece, which is part of the Sinaloa Museum of Art’s collection, shows one of the most recurrent scenes in religious plastic art
The oil painting “Saint Joseph and the Child” was inaugurated as Piece of the Month at the Sinaloa Museum of Art.

Inna Teresa Álvarez, head of MASIN, commented that the representation of “Saint Joseph and the Child” is one of the most recurrent scenes in religious plastic art, especially in the Latin American context.
“This image not only reflects the paternal relationship between Saint Joseph and Jesus, but is also loaded with symbolism and theological meaning, and with regard to our Piece of the Month, curiosity and uncertainty are also added.”

“Like many other pieces in our collection, “Saint Joseph and the Child” is a piece that has been around for quite a few decades since its completion, however, its age is left to speculation as there is no record of the author, period or origin of the work. Added to the mystery of its origin, there are elements that differ completely from the more traditional representation of this scene.”

In many works, Saint Joseph holds a flowering staff, a symbol of his divine election and purity. He also wears simple clothes representing his humility and simplicity. The Child Jesus is frequently represented in attitudes that suggest both innocence and a premature recognition of his divinity.

What makes the work on display curious is that the elements of recurrent iconography and symbolism are reinterpreted, opening an entertaining discussion about the author's intention and the possible enclosure that housed this piece. Highlighting, for example, that Joseph's clothing has been deliberately endowed with greater power, giving him fine clothes with many ornaments, as well as a crown and a staff of precious materials, showing greater opulence and power.
The child, for his part, is accompanied by a select variety of fruits, also crowned in an ostentatious and outstanding manner. Both are highlighted with a kind of prominent and tangible halo.

In short, the scene of Saint Joseph and the Child is rich in religious and cultural symbolism, offering a deep look at family dynamics within the framework of Christianity.

After the presentation of the Piece of the Month, another edition of the MASIN Film Club program was held, with the screening of the film "Polar Express", on a giant screen placed in the courtyard of the venue.
Source