# St. Joseph

**E. Boyd** (American, 1903–1974)  
1936  
hand-colored woodcut on paper  
overall: 35.5 x 27.9 cm (14 x 11 in.)

Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1943.8.6849. [The museum's record](https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.19049.html).

## About this work

E. Boyd drew this in 1936, aged 33. It is now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

### What you’re looking at

This is a painting of stylized figures within an ornate frame. The artwork features two central figures that are reminiscent of a traditional religious iconography but rendered in a simplified and almost cartoonish form. The larger figure is draped in blue with red accents, while a smaller figure is held in one hand, enrobed in red. The background is decorated with a variety of patterns including an arch-like structure with wavy designs and lines, all outlining the central figures. The outer sections feature floral patterns with bold, contrasting colors of red, black, and teal. The use of thick outlines and vivid colors suggests a playful and decorative approach to the portrayal of the figures, drawing inspiration possibly from folk art traditions.

_Description from the National Gallery of Art._

### How it was made

- **Woodcut.** A relief print. The block is cut away around the lines, so the lines stand up to take the ink, and the sheet is pressed onto them.
- **Hand-coloured.** Printed in black, then coloured by hand in watercolour, one sheet at a time.

### [E. Boyd](https://www.ochreeditions.com/artists/e-boyd)

American, 1903–1974

## Facts

- Type: Drawing
- The artist was 33
- Real size: about 14 × 11 in (36 × 28 cm). The 11 × 14 in print is close to life size.
- Century: 20th century
- Movement: [American folk and design](https://www.ochreeditions.com/movements/american-folk-design)
- Subjects: saints, Joseph
- Colour: brown
- Rights: public domain (CC0 1.0); free to use for any purpose.

## Get it

- Free download, full resolution: https://img.ochreeditions.com/m/1405.jpg?dl=1
- Image: https://img.ochreeditions.com/a/1405/1920.jpg
- Giclée reproduction on Hahnemühle Photo Rag: 8 × 10 in $28; 11 × 14 in $38; 12 × 16 in $42; 16 × 20 in $56; 18 × 24 in $68; 20 × 30 in $86; 24 × 36 in $108
- Framed reproduction: 8 × 10 in $78; 11 × 14 in $98; 12 × 16 in $108; 16 × 20 in $138; 18 × 24 in $164; 20 × 30 in $208; 24 × 36 in $258
- Canvas reproduction: 8 × 10 in $58; 11 × 14 in $72; 12 × 16 in $79; 16 × 20 in $98; 18 × 24 in $118; 20 × 30 in $148
- Print-ready file: 8 × 10 in $2; 11 × 14 in $2; 12 × 16 in $3; 16 × 20 in $3; 18 × 24 in $3; 20 × 30 in $5; 24 × 36 in $5

Sizes stop where the museum's file would print below 150 pixels per inch. Everything sold is a reproduction, made to order. [Order a print](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/st-joseph-nga-19049).