Saint Patrick Missionary of Ireland

Frank Brito, Saint Patrick Missionary of Ireland, ca. 1960s, carved and painted cottonwood, 13 x 5 x 4 ³⁄₄ in. (33.0 x 12.7 x 12.1 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 1997.124.52

Artwork Details

Title: Saint Patrick Missionary of Ireland
Artist: Frank Brito
Date: ca. 1960s
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
/
Luce Foundation Center
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3rd Floor
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26B
Dimensions: 13 x 5 x 4 ³⁄₄ in. (33.0 x 12.7 x 12.1 cm.)
Credit Line: Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Mediums: paint
cottonwood
Mediums Description: carved and painted cottonwood
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Animal — reptile — snake
Religion — saint — St. Patrick
Object Number: 1997.124.52
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.124.52

Artwork Description

Saint Patrick was a Roman citizen who was kidnapped by a band of Irish raiders and sold into slavery. After he escaped with the help of an angel, he felt called to return to Ireland and spread the Gospel. The snakes symbolize the pagan beliefs that St. Patrick drove out of Ireland and into the sea. His solemn expression and confident stance evoke the saint’s determination to spread God’s word even after enduring pain and imprisonment.