Detail of St. Joseph and the Christ Child, 1666, Claudio Coello, Spanish, 1642-1693

From a large, narrow painting, St. Joseph and the Christ Child, in the Toledo Museum of Art, Great Gallery, is this tender and humanizing portrayal of the Holy Family. A standout example of 17th-century Spanish religious art, rich in symbolism and emotional nuance, the artist breaks from tradition by depicting Saint Joseph not as an elderly gentleman, but as a young, gentle father, cradling the Christ Child with warmth and devotion. This painting, a standout example of 17th-century Spanish religious art, rich in symbolism and emotional nuance, identifies a growing Spanish reverence for Joseph during the 1600s.

"God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that

hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share His wisdom and

become one with Him when He comes in glory, for He lives and reigns with You and

the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever."

O God, who willed that your Son's family should be sanctified by the

witness of your life, grant, we pray, that, following the example of the Holy

Family of Nazareth, we may grow in the same love in our families and be

united with all your people in the joy of the new birth. Amen