La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre by Roberto Mendoza (2013)

Sign inCustomer Service Cart

+Add to Cart

Available Sizes inches / cm
Petite $57.50
Small $69.00
Medium $86.25
Large $115.00
Grande $230.00
Massive $345.00

Description La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, also known as Our Lady of Charity, is the patroness of Cuba. Her story began around 1608, when two brothers, Rodrigo and Juan de Hoyos, along with their slave, Juan Moreno, set out to the Bay of Nipe for salt. Salt was needed for the preservation of the meat at the Barajagua slaughter house, which supplied the inhabitants and workers of Santiago del Prado, now known as El Cobre. While out in the bay, a terrible storm arose, rocking their tiny boat violently with its waves. The three men prayed desperately to the Virgin Mary for her protection and deliverance. The skies suddenly cleared as if in response, and the great storm was gone. In the distance, the men saw a strange object floating in the water. They rowed towards it as the now gentle waves began to bring it closer. At first they mistook it for a bird, but it was, in actuality, a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus and a golden cross in her hand. The statue was fastened to a board with an inscription saying, 'Yo Soy la Virgen de la Caridad' or 'I am the Virgin of Charity.' The statue was dressed in real cloth, had real hair and the skin tone of a multiethnic woman. Much to their surprise, the statue had remained completely dry while afloat in the water.

Roberto Mendoza, New Jersey
Member Since March 2009
Artist Statement Roberto Mendoza is a New Jersey based artist and author whose influences include the fantastical, the mythological and the magical. He currently lives with his husband, their dog, an occasional ghost and aspirations of grandeur. For more information on Roberto Mendoza, his art, or current literary projects, please visit his website.

All Artwork Copyright © 2012 Robert Mendoza. All Rights Reserved.