Holy Family at Work with Saint Joseph – Antique German Chromolithograph, 1900

Holy Family in the Carpenter’s Workshop, Antique German Chromolithograph c.1900 This beautifully composed late nineteenth-century German chromolithograph portrays the Holy Family in an intimate domestic scene set in the carpenter’s workshop of Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph is shown at work with hand tools, shaping wood with calm concentration, while the young Christ stands beside him holding a carpenter’s mallet and plane, symbolically participating in the labor of His earthly father. The Virgin Mary sits quietly nearby, spinning or winding thread, watching over both with serene devotion. All three figures bear softly glowing halos, emphasizing their sacred presence within this everyday setting. The composition is rich in symbolic meaning. The carpenter’s tools and wooden beams reference Christ’s future Passion and the cross, while the youthful participation of Christ in Joseph’s trade underscores the themes of obedience, humility, and the sanctification of daily labor. The Madonna’s gesture toward her heart reflects maternal love and quiet contemplation. Through the open landscape beyond the wall, distant hills and buildings evoke the Holy Land and create depth and peace within the scene. This type of Holy Family imagery was especially popular in Catholic households at the turn of the century, intended as a model for family life rooted in faith, work, and devotion. The scene offered both spiritual instruction and emotional warmth, presenting the Holy Family not in glory, but in humble daily life. Such images were widely displayed in private homes, schools, convents, and parish buildings. The print was produced using traditional chromolithography, a complex multi-stone printing process that allowed for the rich, luminous colors and fine painterly detail visible in the drapery, skin tones, and landscape. The halos, floral elements, and wooden textures show exceptionally fine tonal control. This is a genuine period devotional chromolithograph and not a modern reproduction. The lower margin printing confirms German production for the Catholic devotional market. Large-format Holy Family scenes of this quality and color preservation are becoming increasingly scarce and are highly desirable to collectors of religious iconography and historic devotional prints. Condition report: Very good overall condition. Colors remain strong, fresh, and well saturated. Light age toning visible mainly in the margins. Minor handling wear consistent with age. No major tears, losses, or water damage observed. The image area itself is clean and visually striking. Framing tips: This print displays beautifully in a soft gilt or antique gold frame that complements the warm tones of the workshop setting. A light ivory or warm cream mat enhances the colors without overpowering the scene. Dark walnut or cherry wood frames also work exceptionally well for church, rectory, or classic interior settings. Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: German devotional press, printed in Germany, circa 1900 holy family carpenter workshop saint joseph carpenter print child jesus with tools virgin mary devotional art antique catholic chromolithograph holy family wall art german religious print christ child carpenter family devotion image religious home interior print antique christian wall art catholic household devotion sacred family scene turn of the century devotional saint joseph and child jesus holy family workshop scene printed in germany religious antique religious lithograph...

Rest on the Flight into Egypt – Antique German Chromolithograph, 1900 This serene and deeply devotional antique German chromolithograph depicts the biblical scene known as the “Rest on the Flight into Egypt,” showing the Holy Family paused in quiet refuge during their journey of escape. The Virgin Mary is seated beneath ancient trees, gently cradling the Christ Child on her lap, while Saint Joseph rests nearby, weary from travel. The softly glowing halos emphasize the sacred presence of all three figures. The composition is intimate and contemplative. Mary’s calm expression and protective posture convey maternal tenderness and spiritual strength, while the Christ Child sits peacefully, embodying innocence and divine promise. Saint Joseph, shown as a humble, exhausted guardian, reinforces the human struggle of the journey. The surrounding forest setting, with its shaded foliage and rocky ground, enhances the sense of temporary shelter and quiet protection. Executed in rich, harmonious earth tones with subtle golden highlights, this chromolithograph reflects the finest traditions of late 19th–early 20th century German religious printing. The soft painterly shading, delicate facial features, and atmospheric depth are characteristic of high-quality devotional prints produced for Catholic homes, churches, schools, and monasteries. This specific imagery of the Flight into Egypt held special meaning for families, symbolizing divine protection in times of hardship and uncertainty. Today, original examples are increasingly scarce, especially in well-preserved condition with strong color saturation. A beautiful and meaningful piece for collectors of Catholic art, Holy Family imagery, Marian devotion, or traditional Christian wall art. CONDITION REPORT Good antique condition. Light, even age toning consistent with age. Minor edge wear, with small handling marks at the margins. No tears, no major losses, and no restoration. Colors remain warm and well-balanced, with excellent detail in the faces and garments. FRAMING TIPS This print will frame beautifully in a classic gilt or medium walnut wood frame. Pair with a warm ivory or softly antiqued cream mat and UV-protective glass for a refined devotional presentation. TECHNIQUE Chromolithography MAKER German devotional publisher, Germany, circa 1900 KEYWORD BLOCK Flight into Egypt antique print, Holy Family devotional art, Virgin Mary and Child print, Saint Joseph religious art, German chromolithograph, Catholic wall art antique, Marian devotion print, Christian holy family artwork, antique religious lithograph...

Wonderful image of The Holy Family Chromolithograph Published, circa 1900 Unframed.

A naturalistic oil painting depicting joseph, maria and the holy child in the barn of bethlehem. Oil painting on canvas with vigorous pastell colors. Framed with antique decorative g...