Santa Rosa de Lima with a Dog

This painting from the School of Cuzco depicts the beloved saint in a hermitage alluding to her love of nature as well as for all of God's Creation--in this case, a small strayed dog to whom she offers her meager daily ration of bread and water. Born in the city of Lima in 1586, Rosa was baptized Isabel de Flores but called "Rosa" from her infancy when her Indian nurse reported seeing a "rose" suspended above her cradle. Other childhood stories have the young Rosa being visited by the Christ Child who becomes her playmate. Santa Rosa was known for her great piety and her charity towards her community; at an early age she entered the convent and took the vows of chastity. Venerated throughout the Americas, The Netherlands, India and The Philippines, she is also the patron saint of gardeners. The composition, while clearly intended for private devotion, depicts a saint that seems closer to the earthly realm--evident in the resplendent garden and the brilliant birds--and therefore, a perfect icon for the faithful to emulate.