Fernando Sayan Polo captures the love and compassion that filled St Martin de Porres' heart as he paints his portrait with admirable detail. With a broom in his hand and a sparkling halo over his head, this painting tells of Martin's story from a life of discrimination and poverty, to sainthood. St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of Mixed Race, Barbers, Public Health Workers, and Innkeepers. Painting with oils, the Peruvian artist replicates the Colonial art of the legendary Cuzco School of Religious Portraiture which was inspired by the work of European masters. Beautifully detailed, the composition is accentuated with bronze leaf applications. Born in Lima, Peru, Martin was the son of a freed Panama slave and a Spanish gentleman who later abandoned his family. Because of his mixed race he was denied entrance as full member of a religious order. Always deep in prayer, he began working as a volunteer with the Dominicans of Holy Rosary Priory in Lima at a young age. He eventually made his way up until he was allowed to take up his vows as a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic by the prior Juan de Lorenzana, who decided to disregard the law restricting Martin based on race. By the time Martin died he was widely known and accepted - by poor and rich alike. Everyone talked of his miracles in medicine and caring for the sick, and it is said that when his body was exhumed 25 years after he died, his body exuded a splendid fragrance and was intact.
Language: English
