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.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:by later hand, lower right verso in brown ink: 5; verso: stamped 556
- Markings
- Marked:fragment of a circle
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
An anonymous French hand of the late 18th century made portrait paintings and etched prints.
- The Annunciation
The Sacrifice of Abraham
The Sacrifice of Abraham
The Disciples at the Tomb
The Sacrifice of Abraham
Diana and Endymion
The Sacrifice of Elijah before King Ahab
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt
The Annunciation
The Education of the Virgin
The Madonna and Child in Glory Adored by Saints
Quarts de plafons