St. Joseph the Worker

St. Joseph the Carpenter (c1642) Georges de la Tour

On May 1st the Catholic Church celebrates St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of all workers. Joseph was a popular subject to paint during the Counter-Reformation as he truly represents spirituality in everyday life.

"St. Joseph the Carpenter" (c1642) by Georges de la Tour shows a young Jesus holding a candle with Joseph works. We can see Joseph looking up from his work, perhaps pausing to answer a question. This painting is much more naturalistic than other la Tours such as St. Sebastian and Adoration of the Shepherds.