This is a painting of a young lady who gave her life to Jesus. St Rose of Lima suffered much for Him and once when she was confined to her room due to illness, a bird came to visit. He sang most sweetly and then paused to let her sing her song to God. When she grew too tired to sing, he took over again. This happened frequently during her sickness. I love the story so much I had to portray it in art.

The first canonized saint of the New World has one characteristic of all saints: the suffering of opposition, and another characteristic which is more for admiration than for imitation, excessive practice of mortification.

She was born to parents of Spanish descent in Lima, Peru, at a time when South America was in its first century of evangelization. She seems to have taken Catherine of Siena (April 29) as a model, in spite of the objections and ridicule of parents and friends. (taken from AmericanCatholic.org)

Rose was exceedingly beautiful, but only wanted to take Christ as her Bridegroom. Her mother wanted her to marry well, and she had many suiters, so she found ways to make herself look ugly. Not only was she physically beautiful, but she understood the greater importance of a beautiful soul, which she strove to attain for the love of her Jesus.

Saint Rose is patroness of:
The Americas
Florists
Latin America
Peru
The Philippines
South America

Feast Day: August 23

I used acrylics and colored pencil on archival paper to produce this painting, which measures 9" x 12," unframed. Outside dimensions, with the framing are 14 1/2" x 17 1/2". The rich, warm, golden tones in this painting would be complimented by a room done in creamy whites, yellows, reds, and/or greens. And the frame has a pure, creamy look that blends in well with most any decor, be it "shabby chic" or minimalist modern or traditional. Perfect for someone named Rose or a confirmation gift for a girl choosing this patron saint.

You may order the painting framed and matted, "as is", or state your preferences as to matting and framing. If you want it framed differently, please contact me.

To order, please make your choice, at right, of framed or unframed.


This image, and all of the artwork of Sue Kouma Johnson, is copyrighted, and may not be reproduced in any form, without express permission of the artist.