Collections: American Art: The Carpenter's Shop in Nazareth

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The Carpenter's Shop in Nazareth

Scenes of the Holy Family often blend delightful domestic details with the presence of the divine. Here, an Andean artist divides the canvas into two arenas of concentrated activity: at right, the faithful son, Jesus, helps Joseph saw a board; at left, Mary, ever industrious, attends to her needlework. Mary's white embroidery and the potted lilies behind her represent her purity. Throughout the scene, angels assist under the watchful eye of the Archangel Michael at left. In the upper right corner, God the Father and the Holy Spirit in the form of a white dove hover over Jesus, forming a Holy Trinity to match the earthly one of father, mother, and son.


• Medium: Oil on fabric
• Place Made: Bolivia
• Dates: late 18th century
• Dimensions: 29 5/8 x 31 7/8in. (75.2 x 81cm) Other (Frame): 39 x 37 1/8 in. (99.1 x 94.3 cm)
• Collections: American Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
• Accession Number: 43.112
• Credit Line: Frank L. Babbott Fund
• Image: Overall, 43.112_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
The Carpenter's Shop in Nazareth, late 18th century. Oil on fabric, 29 5/8 x 31 7/8in. (75.2 x 81cm) Other (Frame): 39 x 37 1/8 in. (99.1 x 94.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Frank L. Babbott Fund, 43.112 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 43.112_SL1.jpg)