Saint Patrick, Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland
Saint Patrick, Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland. Egg tempera and gold on panel. 7x9" 2024. I just completed this comission for a dear friend and fellow parishioner. I referenced historical motifs such as the celtic crosses and knotwork, and a medieval script from the British isles. I used natural mineral pigments, including green earth pigments from Italy and Cyprus, orange from France, and red from England. Saint Patrick was born in England around 485 to a Roman Christian family. Irish raiders enslaved him and put him to work as a swineherd at age sixteen. He spent six years in prayer and solitude. A vision helped him escape home to England. He studied for the priesthood in Gaul under St. Germanus. In a vision, he heard the Irish people entreating him to bring Christ to them. He heeded the call, was consecrated a bishop, and began a successful mission to the Irish people around 432. While he was not the only missionary, he was by far the most successful. Saint Patrick