Saint Joseph (Hebrew יוֹסֵף – Greek: Ἰωσήφ, Ioseph) is the foster father of Jesus and the husaband of Mary. This cloisonné enamel on bronze plaque is an exquisite, one-of-a-kind depiction of Saint Joseph as foster father and worker. This would be a wonderful gift for a very special birthday or anniversary or to honor a special donor. Saint Joseph is honored on two feastdays:  March 19th (Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary) and May 1st (Saint Joseph the Worker).

A Cloisonné Enamel on Bronze Wall Plaque

This cloisonné enamel on bronze measures 7.3 by 5 inches. There is a hanger on the back to ensure easy placement on any wall at home or in the office. Conceived and fashioned in Germany by one of the world’s great goldsmiths, this plaque is a wonderfully meaningful gift for that very special “Joseph,” “Josephina,” or “Joe” in your life!

The “Blue Collar” Worker and Patron Saint of Workers

Because Joseph was of Davidic lineage (Matthew 1:1-17), Jesus was the “Son of David.” Joseph – the tekton (“artisan, craftsman, or carpenter” in Greek) of Matthew 13:55 – is depicted in this solid bronze plaque standing and holding the Christ Child.  Carpentry tools can be seen in the bottom right corner of the plaque. Saint Joseph can be considered to be the original “blue collar worker” (even his garments are blue on this plaque!). In 1955 Pope Pius XII established the Feast of “St. Joseph the Worker” to be celebrated on May 1st every year. This was the Pope’s direct response to “May Day” – a worldwide day of celebrations for workers and workers’ unions sponsored by socialists and communists.