St. Francis

NameSculpture

Artist Apolonio O. Martinez

CultureHispanic

DateAugust 5, 1975

MediumWood, paper, ink

Dimensions12 3/16 × 7 5/16 × 5 3/16 in. (31 × 18.5 × 13.2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Marlene Nathan Meyerson, A.2012.42.11

Object numberA.2012.42.11

DescriptionBulky, standing male figure with arms outstretched, a tablet (book) in his left hand, and a bird perched on that shoulder. Two more birds are positioned at his feet on a slightly tiered wood base. The sculpture is unpainted, his robes and base of light reddish cedar, his hands, head, book, belt, feet and the birds of light wood. On the bottom of the base is written "Apolonio O. Martinez" and a typewritten statement on paper glued to the base reads "Many people say that St. Francis was the man who weas most like Our Lord. He saw how money makes many people bad and proud. So he wanted to be as poor as Our Lord was. He used to say, "I am married to Lady Poverty." Far in the East are men called Moslems. They do not believe in Jesus Christ. So Francis went to visit them. And though they hated other Christians, they listened to Francis. They thought Jesus must be very fine, because, Francis, his friend, was so good. Francis preached about Jesus and Mary everywhere. He built the first Christmas crib. But so that everyone could hear about Our dear Lord, he gathered men and women to work with him. They worked among the poor people. They taught them how happy it is to be good. They are called the Franciscans."