Saint Beatrice of Silva

Catholic icon of Saint Beatrice of Silva on thick plywood 20mm, which does not sting and keeps its shape over time. Preparation with acrylic stucco and have been used acrylic colors. It has been covered with varnish to keep the colors undiluted in time and humidity. Hanging clip included on the back of the icon.  

St. Beatrice was born in Campo Maior, Portugal in 1424 and was the daughter of the governor of the city. In 1447 Beatrice accompanied Princess Isabel of Portugal to Castile as her lady-in-waiting to marry King John II of Castile and became Queen of Castile and Leon. Soon, however, her great beauty began to arouse the irrational jealousy of the Queen, who had her imprisoned in a tiny cell. During this incarceration, Beatrice experienced an apparition of Virgin Mary, in which she was instructed to found a new religious order in Marys's honor. Beatrice finally escaped her imprisonment with difficulty and took refuge in the Dominican Second Order monastery of nuns in Toledo, where she lived 37 years. In 1484 Beatrice took possession of a palace in Toledo and settled a new community under the name Monastery of the Holy Faith, which was to be dedicated to honoring the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Beatrice died in the monastery she had founded on 16 August 1492. Her feast day is on 17 August and she is the patron saint of prisoners.