Artist Statement: Saint Anthony, patron saint of lost and stolen articles, was a powerful Franciscan preacher and teacher and is one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. He’s typically portrayed holding the child Jesus—or a lily—or a book—or all three—in his arms. But since the 17th century we most often find the saint shown with the child Jesus in his arm, as in this rare 19th century Santos. This pose is based upon a story about a visit of Anthony to the Lord of Chatenauneuf. Anthony was praying far into the night when suddenly the room was filled with light more brilliant than the sun. Jesus then appeared to St. Anthony under the form of a little child. Chatenauneuf, attracted by the brilliant light that filled his house, was drawn to witness the vision but promised to tell no one of it until after St. Anthony’s death.
Many Catholics are familiar with invoking St. Anthony to find an item that was lost. The reason why is because of a precious book of Psalms a young student stole from him. Trusting in God, St. Anthony prayed that the pupil would have a change of heart and return the book. Shortly after, the young man gave the book back to St. Anthony, asking for his forgiveness. St. Anthony forgave the student, exhorting him to never do something like that again. After the death of St. Anthony, this story became a legend. He soon became known as a powerful intercessor for lost things. St. Anthony’s Feast Day is celebrated on June 13.
