The epitome of a good father
In the central niche of the lower section of a lateral altarpiece in the 17th-century church of SS Peter and Paul in Sotuta stands a polychrome wooden statue of St. Joseph holding the Baby Jesus in his arms.
The stylistic features of the image, such as its size and color scheme, place its manufacture in the second half of the 18th century, although we cannot be certain of where it was made, or by whom.
The statue of St. Joseph with the Child, although it does not participate in a homonymous festival, is an object of devotion for the townspeople, and can be seen during the times of religious services in the church.
St. Joseph is considered in Christian tradition to be the ideal of a husband (to Mary) and of a loving father. He is also patron saint of workers and of the universal church.
The sculpture betrays some characteristics that might be classified as naïve, such as a certain lack of proportion in the figures – the Baby Jesus has large hands and head –, a few rather rough lines in the carving, and the expressions of immense amazement on the faces of St Joseph and the Child. However, the polychrome decoration of the piece, and its feeling of movement give it a certain charm often found in the works of local artisans.
Sotuta is 98 km (61 miles) southeast of Merida, and according to Dr. Miguel Güémez the name means “water that turns”, from “sut”, turn, and “ha”, water.
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