This rustic wood plaque features St. Joseph, Guardian of Sons.

This painting was made by Melchior Paul von Deschwanden, a Swiss artist, in the 19th century. A tender and contemplative St. Joseph - the foster father of Jesus - is depicted with the Christ child resting on his lap. Jesus is petting an ewe, foreshadowing his sacrifice as the "Lamb of God," and St. John the Baptist, pictured as a young boy holding a cross with the "Agnus Dei" proclamation, kneels and devotedly kisses Christ's foot. With forehead scrunched in contemplation, the tender foster father of God takes in the scene, presumably contemplating the great sacrifice that his Son will make and the Divinity of his child. A rod of lilies points to his great purity and the legend of how he was chosen to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the axe next to him points to the hard work and labor he accomplished for his family throughout his life. The scene takes place in the clouds, a place of heavenly contemplation. As an altarpiece, von Deschwanden's piece rests in Kastelruth, Italy.

This touching devotional piece is sure to be treasured for years to come! St. Joseph, pray for us!

Our Rustic Wood Plaques are designed, printed and stained to give a rustic, weathered look. They are constructed from a wood composite in our shop in Steubenville, Ohio. All sizes are printed on a single board, however larger sizes are printed to look like slats.

( RWP-1428 )