Mid-20th Century Lithographic Print of Saint Joseph and the Christ Child

Name: Mid-20th Century Lithographic Print of Saint Joseph and the Christ Child
Brand: abeccareb
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Vintage Catholic lithographic print of Saint Joseph holding the infant Christ Child, framed in wood - view 1

1/2

Estimated value

$15 - $50

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

MID-20TH CENTURY LITHOGRAPHIC PRINT OF SAINT JOSEPH AND THE CHRIST CHILD: IDENTIFICATION

This appears to be a chromolithographic print depicting Saint Joseph holding the Christ Child. Saint Joseph is shown with his traditional attributes: a beard, a staff, and white lilies, symbolizing purity and his role as the Virgin Mary's chaste spouse. The Christ Child, seated on Joseph's lap, holds a globus cruciger, a symbol of Christ's dominion over the world, often featuring a cross, though here it appears as a globe. Both figures have halos rendered as decorative concentric circles, a common motif in popular religious prints to denote sanctity. The print is housed in a simple, machine-made wooden frame, likely pine or a similar softwood, with a grooved or reeded profile.

Compare with other religious objects in the archive: Orthodox Virgin Mary and Child Relief Plaque, Russian Orthodox Feast Day Icon with Passion Cycle.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%

CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 3 religious items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Moderate production runs
Common at estate sales
Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

Easily identifiable subject matter and common printing technique.
Mass-produced item, not typically targeted for forgery.
No pretense of being a unique artwork or antique of significant value.

How does authenticity detection work?

RELIGIOUS ART SCHOLAR'S TAKE

Sacred Art & Material Culture Specialist

Religious Art Expert

The iconography is distinct and the printing and framing techniques are characteristic of mid-20th century popular religious art, allowing for a strong identification of type and era.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Iconography clearly depicts Saint Joseph with Christ Child, identified by lilies and globus cruciger.
2Printing style (chromolithography) and visual quality suggest mass production common from mid-20th century.
3Frame characteristics (machine-grooved wood, simple construction) are consistent with prints of that era.
4General condition of paper (yellowing, possible foxing) aligns with typical aging for a print of its age.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Carefully remove the backing to check for any printer's marks, distributor labels, or edition information.
→Inspect the print directly out of the frame for any signatures or dates that might be obscured.
→Examine the paper quality and details of the image more closely to confirm printing technique.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The print exhibits visible discoloration behind the figures. The frame shows minor wear consistent with age and display, but no significant damage like cracks or major chipping. The protective covering over the print (glass or acrylic) appears intact, though glare limits full assessment.