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Lot Essay
San Isidro or St. Isidore is venerated as the patron saint of all farmers, labrador means farmer in Spanish. Born in Spain around the year 1070, Isidro was a pious farmer and attended Mass every day before tending to his work in the fields. His tardiness caused his fellow laborers to complain to his land holding master, Juan Vargas, who upon investigating, found angels toiling in the field for him. Many miracles were attributed to him-including bringing his employer's daughter back from the grave and having a fountain of fresh water spring from an arid patch of land.
In this Cuzco painting, the saint holds wheat with one hand and staff with another. In the background, an angel is seen with oxen which till the land. The iconic depiction of the saintly farmer is always of a large man, strong enough to work the field but whose countenance is that of a devout and kind soul. Although primarily a portrait, the composition incorporates a landscape replete with verdant bushes and trees and lovely birds of brilliantly colored plumage as typical in Andean painting. The saints vest and britches are decorated in gold as befits a holy personage.
In this Cuzco painting, the saint holds wheat with one hand and staff with another. In the background, an angel is seen with oxen which till the land. The iconic depiction of the saintly farmer is always of a large man, strong enough to work the field but whose countenance is that of a devout and kind soul. Although primarily a portrait, the composition incorporates a landscape replete with verdant bushes and trees and lovely birds of brilliantly colored plumage as typical in Andean painting. The saints vest and britches are decorated in gold as befits a holy personage.