Wheeling Jesuit University
Wheeling, West Virginia
The director of Campus Ministry envisioned an icon reflecting the early, pre-marital relationship between Mary and Joseph. His concern was that the image reflect a relationship between the holy couple that to which the young college population could relate. Mary and Joseph gaze at each other in love and mutual respect. Their embrace is both passionate, yet chaste and restrained. Their hands intertwine, thumbs forming the Greek Chi. Thus, even at the beginning of their relationship, Christ is at the center.
Year: 1994
Material: Egg tempera, oak, gold leaf