San Jose

Copied Master of "La Merced", San Jose, early 18th century, carved and painted wood, 36 12138 14 in. (92.733.021.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.45
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
San Jose
Date
early 18th century
Dimensions
36 12138 14 in. (92.733.021.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Teodoro Vidal Collection
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood
Classifications
Keywords
  • Religion — saint — St. Joseph
Object Number
1996.91.45

Artwork Description

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.