Object Details
Artist
Frank Brito, born Albuquerque, NM 1922-died Santa Fe, NM 2005
Luce Center Label
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.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Date
ca. 1960s
Object number
1997.124.52
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Sculpture
Folk Art
Medium
carved and painted cottonwood
Dimensions
13 x 5 x 4 3/4 in. (33.0 x 12.7 x 12.1 cm.)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 26B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Animal\reptile\snake
Religion\saint\St. Patrick
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1997.124.52