Title: "Saint John Francis Regis, A Portrait."
Artist: Erin Leeper, Loveland, Colorado. Erin is a self-trained folk artist. "My Ethereal Icons are joyful contemporary folk art versions of those well-known old school holy cards. If one of my paintings elicits feelings of comfort, joy and most importantly that feeling of being loved, my work is done." The artist reserves all copyrights.
Media: Giclee reproduction on canvas of an original folk art painting.
Date: 2019
Dimensions: 11" h x 16" w x 1.5" d, framed.
Features: This giclee reproduction of an original is on canvas, bordered in black, and unframed.
Condition: New.
Notes: This folk art piece depicts Saint John Francis Regis, the portrait of a man centered in Christ. A Jesuit priest (1597 - 1640), he is best known for his work with at-risk women and orphans. He remained in France all his life, walking from town to town in rough mountainous areas where travel was difficult, especially in winter. His preaching style was simple and direct, appealing to the uneducated peasantry, and he reaped a harvest of conversions. Pope John Paul II commemorated the 400th anniversary of his birth, honoring him as a "lofty figure of holiness." His patronage in Colorado includes both Regis University in Denver and Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado. His portrait shows a resolute face, as he clutches a crucifix close to his heart and holds a walking stick waving the fleur de lis, a symbol of Our Lady, celebrating Regis colors of red and white. The window behind him keeps his mission territory, the treacherous French Alps, in clear focus. The four borders of the canvas are emblazoned with the fiery Jesuit emblem of the Holy Name. Saint Regis is robed in a traditional black Jesuit travel cassock, topped with a wide-brimmed traveling hat. The image is inspired by the bronze statue that overlooks the Commons on the campus of Regis Jesuit High School.