In a visually saturated world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and become desensitized to beauty. Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” encourages us to slow down and engage in visual contemplation, using art as a profound tool for connecting with the Divine.

A Guide to Visio Divina

Begin by making the sign of the cross and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your contemplation. Spend a moment meditating on The Dream of Saint Joseph by Philippe de Champaigne (1642-43) painted during the Baroque period. You can find it in The National Gallery in London. Then, read Matthew 1:18-25.

Enter In.

Joseph trudges into his home, barely tripping over his scattered carpentry tools before collapsing into his armchair. He had an exhausting day. Work physically drained him and then he received the unexpected news of Mary’s pregnancy. He tirelessly wrestles with this mystery. He cannot wrap his mind around it. Consumed by doubt and despair, Joseph decides to divorce her quietly the next day. His eyelids grow heavy, and he finally surrenders to a deep sleep.

In the depths of his slumber, Joseph begins to dream— or is it more than a dream? An angel appears, radiant and calm, speaking gently yet firmly: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her” (Mt. 1:20). The angel continues, revealing that this child will be the Son of God, the Savior, and He will be named Jesus.

Champaigne vividly brings Matthew’s passage to life. Joseph rests in his chair, surrounded by his carpentry tools. His shoes are off as he sits comfortably, worn out from both his work and emotional burden. A glowing angel descends from the viewer’s top right toward Joseph, illuminating the whole room. There is an elegant quality in the movement of the angel’s garment rippling through the air, suggesting a sense of haste in delivering God’s message.

Take a moment to observe Mary’s posture. Her eyes are fixed on the angel and her arms rest gently over her chest in surrender, a pose reminiscent of the Annunciation. This detail suggests that Mary is not physically present in Joseph’s home, but is in his dream. Furthermore, the curtain behind Joseph and the angel represents the veil between the tangible and spiritual realms.

Now, study the angel’s hand gestures. With one hand pointing toward Heaven and the other toward Mary, the angel communicates two truths: the Holy Spirit is the source of this miraculous conception, and Mary is the chosen one to carry God’s promise. Together, these gestures guide Joseph—and us—toward trust and openness to divine providence.

Even the colors of their clothing add to the story. Joseph’s usual brown and green, symbols of poverty and earthliness, are replaced by a yellow cloak, signifying light, divine presence, hope and joy. It is fitting for Joseph to wear yellow as he receives God’s divine message, restoring his hope and trust in God’s plan. Mary’s blue and red robes signify her purity and royal status, while also foreshadowing the blood and water of her Son’s sacrifice.

Finally, examine the haloes encircling  Mary and Joseph. Can you see them? They are very faint! Champaigne utilizes subtle hairline haloes instead of dramatic, radiant orbs as an artistic technique to ground them. It’s a gentle reminder that, while they are chosen by God and deeply holy, they’re still human, like us. This small detail makes Mary and Joseph’s experience feel more approachable and relatable.

Conclusion

It’s fascinating how God chooses to communicate with us. Rarely does He speak through a booming voice from the heavens. Instead, He often speaks in quiet, subtle ways— through signs, people, love, His Word, art and sometimes, as with Joseph, through dreams.

Countless artworks focus on Mary’s “yes” at the Annunciation, but rarely do we see depictions of Joseph’s “yes” to God. Like Joseph, we often wrestle with the
unknown; trusting God during uncertain times can be frightening and difficult. However, when we remain open to God’s will and courageously say “yes” to Him, we are capable of great things. St. Catherine of Sienna beautifully reminds us, “Be who God created you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”

Emma Cassini is the graphic designer behind The Catholic Telegraph. She is passionate about exploring the intersection between art and faith. | [email protected]

This article appeared in the January 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.