Joseph F. Brickey: JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM

THE STORY:
This painting illustrates Joseph and Mary's journey from Galilee to Bethlehem to be taxed. The journey of about 100 miles would have been long and uncomfortable for an expectant mother. This painting does not show the ardor and work of that journey; rather, it portrays Mary's sweet contemplation of the child she is about to deliver.

ANALYSIS:  
Artist Joseph Brickey explains the composition and symbolism of this painting: “As a foreshadowing of His future triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the Son of David and the King of Israel, the unborn Christ is carried by a donkey to Bethlehem to be numbered of the house and lineage of David.  Mary looks tenderly, perhaps knowingly, at the shy shepherd boy they pass along their way.  Would she have remembered the prophecy that spoke of her future son as the “Shepherd of Israel” (Psalm 80:1)? Mary’s hand is held to her womb as she meets the gaze of the shepherd boy as a reminder that “unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).  Joseph’s focus is on the path ahead, and his hands, one opened and one closed, reflect both the strength and the gentleness of the provider and protector” (http://ldsmag.com/ldsmag/arts/060503spirit.html).

The shape of this painting's composition is a triangle, with the three points described by the light beaming from the heavens in the upper left-hand corner to Mary's womb to the path leading to the little shepherd boy. This spotlight coming from the heavens reminds us that the child she carries will be the Good Shepherd, and that we must all become as a little child to enter His presence one day.

I also find it significant that both Mary and Joseph and the shepherd boy are not traveling on the path. Instead, the sheep are on the path. This reminds me of the straight and narrow path back to our Father in Heaven--the path that only Jesus Christ can lead us along.


PERSONAL IMPACT:  
I particularly love all depictions of the Christmas story. This one is both lovely and meaningful. I've loved this image of Joseph since reading that Brickey wanted to portray both his strength and his gentleness.