Antique 19th C. Spanish Colonial Painting/ Retablo - San Jose

Charming St. Joseph Oil on Linen in the Red Bole style. Found in Puebla, Mexico in late 80's.From Mexican Folk Retablos by Giffords:"His attribute of the blooming staff or sometimes a lily and his title refugium agonizantium("refuge from agony") may be attributed to the concern of Christendom about his little known life. The demand of popular curiosity piety encourages the "History of Joseph the Carpenter" a chapter in the Apocrypha, perhaps dating back to the fourth century A.D. Here it is related that Mary's husband was selected by the placing of all eligible suitors' staffs in the courtyard of the temple. The following day Joseph's had bloomed. This staff became his attribute as well as a symbol of his purity. Further legends tell of his death, comforted by the presence of Jesus and Mary. The account of his death contain the promise of Jesus to protect in life and death all those who do good in Joseph's name. For this reason he became the patron for good death, although this was a much later aspect."