_Hofmann, Plate 31,_ tells of the quiet days at Nazareth, when Joseph worked at his trade, and Mary sat near spinning and watching the wondrous lad who in his child-way could help Joseph by fetching a needed tool. It was a peaceful, happy life, like that of the chickens and the doves. The memories of those days furnished Jesus with the wonderful figure of speech recorded in Matt. 23:37, 38. Hofmann, like other artists, is fond of symbolism, hence the square and the measuring stick are upon the shoulder of the child (Is. 9:6) who was to lay judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet (Is. 28:17); and the tools take the form of the cross. Jesus was subject unto his parents (Luke 2:51), and, in a sense, took up his cross daily, as all his disciples must ever do (Matt. 16:24). Such service is healthful and profitable (Luke 2:52). [Illustration: Infancy of Christ.] Plate 31. _Infancy of Christ._ H. Hofmann. 1824- THE VISIT TO JERUSALEM. Joseph and Mary probably went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. (Deut. 16:16.) And when Jesus was twelve years old they went up as usual taking him with them. (Luke 2:41-42.) _Mengelberg, Plate 34,_ represents the holy family approaching the city. The temple with its smoking altars is seen in the distance. The artist has suggested the great company who went up every year to worship, and with which, returning, Joseph and Mary supposed Jesus to be. [Illustration: Jesus, Twelve Years Old, on his way to Jerusalem.] Plate 34. _Jesus, Twelve Years Old, on his Way to Jerusalem._ O. Mengelberg. _Hofmann, Plates 38 and 39,_ illustrates (Luke 2:46). Plate 38 is from the drawing in the artist's Life of Christ. Plate 39, from the famous painting in Dresden, is the more carefully finished. Hofmann has shown the seal of Solomon upon the "chair of philosophy," he has introduced the scroll of the prophets and suggested the rich stones of the temple, but the interest of all is upon the Boy, who came to fulfill the law and the prophets, and who was greater than the temple and greater than Solomon. (Matt. 5:17, John 2:19-20, Matt. 12:42). This picture has become a classic already, though Hofmann is still living. [Illustration: Christ Disputing with the Doctors.] Plate 38. _Christ Disputing with the Doctors._ H. Hofmann. 1824- [Illustration: In The Temple.] Plate 39. _In The Temple._ H. Hofmann. 1824- _Lafon, Plate 36,_ has idealized his subject. He has placed Jesus "in Moses' seat" (Matt. 23:2), conferring upon him a distinction amply justified by subsequent events especially by the Sermon on the Mount. "It hath been said . . . but I say unto you . . ." these are the words which give Jesus a unique position as a teacher. [Illustration: Christ Among the Doctors.] Plate 36. _Christ Among the Doctors._ Emile J. Lafon.