Georges de La Tour - Joseph the Carpenter (1642)

Georges de La Tour - Joseph the carpenter
  • Title: Joseph the Carpenter (Saint Joseph Charpentier)
  • Artist: Georges de La Tour (1593-1652)
  • Date: 1642
  • Made in: Lunéville, France
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 137 × 102 cm
  • Location: Le Louvre, Paris, France
  • Credit line: gift from Percy Moore Turner to the Louvre Museum in memory of Paul Jamot in 1948
  • Photo credit: Philippel on Wikipedia in 2016

“Joseph the Carpenter” depicts a young Jesus with Saint Joseph, his earthly father, in a style “à la chandelle” or tenebrist where a single, strong light source is a central element, surrounded by cast shadows. This painting humanizes very much the character of Jesus who has no aureola, is not source of the light but lit by the candle, is patienty observing his dad working holding the candle to help him see and the two share a moment looking at each other. Maybe the look has to do with the cross-like shape of the tool that Joseph is using, a foreshadowing of his crucifixion.

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