Old Masters · Matthew 1:20 · 5 October 2026 · 3 works

Joseph's Dream

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

For Advent: Joseph asleep, and the angel who speaks to him.

Joseph has fallen asleep in his chair, his tools on the floor at his feet. An angel sweeps in above him and points with one hand to Mary and with the other to heaven. Mary kneels at her prayer desk and looks up.

Philippe de Champaigne, The Dream of Saint Joseph, 1642–43 — **Philippe de Champaigne**, The Dream of Saint Joseph, 1642–43

An old man has fallen asleep over his book, his head propped on his hand. A child stands before him and stretches out an arm, almost touching his beard. The child's arm hides the candle; we see only its light on the two faces.

Georges de La Tour, The Dream of Saint Joseph, c. 1640 — **Georges de La Tour**, The Dream of Saint Joseph, c. 1640

A dark stable. Mary lies asleep in the straw with the child wrapped up beside her. Joseph sits slumped at her side, and an angel in white lays a hand on his shoulder.

Rembrandt, Joseph's Dream in the Stable at Bethlehem, 1645 — **Rembrandt**, Joseph's Dream in the Stable at Bethlehem, 1645