Graced
This pastel painting is a portrait of Saint Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child, enslaved, sold five times as a slave, and received her emancipation when she was 18 years old. She entered the Canossian Sisters of Venice, Italy and made her profession of faith, living as a sister for four decades until her death in 1947. She was canonized as a saint in the year 2000. Despite years of enduring extreme cruelty and indifference to her personhood and dignity, she forgave everyone who had injured her and showed kindness and grace to all. The name “Bakhita” was originally given to her by slave traders and is translated “Fortunate” or “Lucky.” The title of the painting is intended to counteract the intent of the slave traders, and show Josephine’s dignity as a child of God, and graced by her Creator to love.
Emerging Pastel Artist
16 x 12
Pastel Brand(s) Used
BLUE EARTH
DIANE TOWNSEND
GREAT AMERICAN
HOLBEIN
MOUNT VISION
SENNELIER
UNISON
OTHER
Pastel Paper Used
PASTEL PREMIER
