[Albion Wilde]

Oddly enough, ONLY Tissot took the time, place, and culture of 1st-Century Judea into consideration. All the others reflect the costumes, architecture, and climate of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods of Europe.

I agree about the background architecture and many of the costumes. The Tissot is the only one showing the couple under the traditional chuppah wedding canopy.

However, I did notice an important detail from Exodus and Samuel about the vestments of the priest or rabbi: he is wearing the sacred garment called an ephod in paintings 1, 2, 13, 23, 30, 34, and 39. The clearest example is #13. It is an apron-like garment to be worn over the priest's robes, having a panel of twelve precious stones, signifying the twelve tribes of Israel.

I also notice that Joseph is carrying a stick with flowers or herbs tied to the top of it in several of the paintings. This is a Jewish custom observed to this day in certain Orthodox celebrations. Fragrant leaves and flowers are used. A freeper explained it to me once, and I wish I could remember which holiday was pictured that made me inquire about it.

[left that other site]

I noticed the High Priest’s garments as well. One wonders if a Carpenter from Nazareth would have the High Priest officiate at his wedding, though.

Artistic License?

[Hebrews 11:6]

I was curious about that: wasn’t the High Priest the only one authorized to wear the twelve stones?