For centuries, Joseph was often omitted from artistic depictions of the Holy Family and the young Christ. When he did finally enter the frame, he had the air of a supporting character, almost a spectator. This changed during the 15th century, when the French theologian Jean Gerson recast Joseph as a doting husband and active, caring father. Such a characterization inspired Gerard David’s intimate painting The Holy Family, which sees Mary embracing a young Jesus while Joseph looks on with a wooden bowl and food. David humanized the sacred with a domestic portrayal of the three as a true family. Celebrating the recent acquisition of David’s work, this exhibition at the Getty places it alongside other Renaissance manuscripts and panels that also show Joseph preparing meals, cradling Jesus, and more. —Maggie Turner