The Story of Christmas: Joseph’s Dream

Philippe de Champaigne - The Dream of St. Joseph - Oil on canvas - H 209.5 x W 155.8 cm - National Gallery - London (click photo for larger image)Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674) was a Baroque era painter, a major exponent of the French school. He was a founding member of the Académie de peinture et de sculpture in Paris, the premier art institution in France in the eighteenth century. Known for his portraits and religious paintings, Champaigne was a highly successful court painter. As he matured, he rejected many Baroque conventions. His paintings became simplified and more austere, and his portraits demonstrate his sensitivity toward and understanding of their subjects.

Paintings that address Joseph’s role in stories surrounding the birth of Christ are rare in the history of art. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Mary is pledged in marriage to Joseph when he discovers she is pregnant. In consternation, he decides to continue with the marriage but with a future divorce in mind. But God sends an angel to Joseph in a dream to explain the divine conception and to ask him to name the baby Jesus.

Champaigne is one of very few artists to depict Joseph’s story, and he imagines his dilemma and the angelic intervention with dignity.