Saint Joseph is Instructed by the Angel about the Incarnation

A pensive Saint Joseph was visited by a messenger of God to explain the mystery of Mary’s motherhood to him. The carpenter is depicted as ready for the journey—a staff by his legs, a hat at his feet, and in the background, a donkey ready to go. However, above him is an angel, who gestures towards the heavens, indicating that the decision for Saint Joseph to be the guardian of the Savior comes from God.

Joseph, on the other hand, seems to defend himself with one hand in fear, while pointing to his hat and travel bags with the other, trying to explain his actions. The gaze of the angel and Saint Joseph meet, and the gestures create the impression that the heavenly messenger is controlling the saint’s reactions, explaining the situation. Saint Joseph is portrayed as a figure afraid to accept his mission, yet whose role in the history of salvation seems predetermined.

Michael Willmann, known as the “Silesian Rembrandt,” created over 50 wall polychromies within three years, adorning the interior of the fraternity church.

The abundance of these depictions in one place makes the Krzeszów church the largest collection of frescoes in Northern Europe, and the seat of the Brotherhood of Saint Joseph is popularly called the “Silesian Sistine Chapel.”