Saint Patrick Missionary of Ireland

Copied 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
Date
ca. 1960s
Location
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
Mediums Description
carved and painted cottonwood
Classifications
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.