Saint Anthony & Child
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Saint Anthony and Child
Mardie Rees, 2008
Saint Anthony of Padua (1195 - 1231) lived a life of selflessness, integrity, and humility and is considered one of the most beloved of all Saints.
St. Anthony was born into a family of nobility in Lisbon, Portugal. At the age of fifteen, against the wishes of his family, he entered the Augustinian Abbey of St. Vincent where he passionately pursued his education in scripture and the Latin masters. Later, he transferred to the Augustinian Santa Cruz Monastery in order to further his studies. After his ordination, he was placed in charge of hospitality for the abbey. Attracted to the simple, genuine lifestyle of the Franciscan friars and moved by their commitment and selflessness, he obtained permission to join the Franciscan order. A few years later, he was assigned to a rural hospice where he lived as a hermit and worked in the kitchen. One day, a group of visiting monks called upon him to give a humble word. His sermon created such a deep impression that he was asked to preach in regions throughout northern Italy, France, and the papal court of Pope Gregory IX. His eloquent words, clear voice, graceful smile, and profound knowledge won over the hearts of many. Moved by love for humanity he chose to live out a humble life in the eyes of all, gracefully loving both rich and poor. Anthony became ill and died on his return to Padua at the age of thirty six.
Patron Saint Anthony is most often portrayed with a book of scripture and a lily, holding the Christ Child. While the book of scripture represents knowledge, the lily symbolizes innocence and integrity. The young child depicts the vulnerability of all children throughout the world.
The life size work Saint Anthony and Child is a visual representation of transcendent wisdom in harmony with innocence. The saint stands contrapposto, balancing the vulnerable child in his arms. St. Anthony, the visionary, conveys quiet strength and assured confidence. The child exhibits tenderness, innocence, and wonder, creating a bond with the viewer. The outward gaze of Saint Anthony and the tender countenance of the child, draws the viewer into relationship to find protection and accompaniment during the most vulnerable moments of life.