Artwork
The Dream of Saint Joseph
The Dream of Saint Joseph is an ink print by the Baroque artist French 18th Century. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work titled The Dream of Saint Joseph is an etching executed on laid paper. Rendered as a print, the image is confined within a circular frame surrounded by a decorative border, presenting a serene nocturnal scene that invites quiet contemplation.
Subject & Meaning
At the centre, an angel in flowing robes with expansive wings points upward, while a man, identified as Saint Joseph, reclines on a bed and gazes toward the celestial figure. The composition suggests a visionary encounter, emphasizing divine guidance and the saint’s peaceful acceptance of a heavenly message.
Technique & Style
The etching displays a meticulous, intricate line work characteristic of fine Baroque printmaking. Delicate hatching and cross‑hatching create texture and depth on the laid paper, while the circular frame and ornamental border reflect the period’s decorative sensibilities.
History & Provenance
The piece is known primarily through its physical attributes; no specific date, artist, or collection history is recorded in the available documentation. Consequently, its provenance remains uncertain, limiting scholarly insight into its original ownership or exhibition context.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist worked in late 18th-century France, making portrait paintings and etched prints.
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