La Reina de La Paz

This original painting by Andrew de Sa, depicts La Reina de la Paz (The Queen of Peace) watching over the Basilica Cathedral of San Miguel under the shadow of the volcano "Chaparrastique" in San Miguel, El Salvador. The painting draws stylistically from the whimsical art of 12th c. Mozarabic Spain.

Read a little about the story and see close-up shots below.

(18 in x 36 in, Mineral Paints, Arches Paper and Birch Wood)

The Story Behind the Devotion

In 1682, on the shores of El Salvador a group of merchants spotted a mysterious box floating in the waves. Unable to open the box, the merchants decided to load it on a mule and bring it to a nearby village. Upon passing the village Church, the mule carrying the box collapsed and the box was opened. The surprised villagers were greeted by the shining faces of a beautiful statue the Virgin and Child. News of this strange occurrence spread throughout the land. At the time the country was torn by civil wars and violence, however, upon the arrival of the mysterious Virgin all parties laid down their arms at the foot of the statue. Thus the statue was christened, La Reina de la Paz (The Queen of Peace, Regina Pacis).

The statue has been held dear by the people ever since and has been accompanied by many miracles, one of which is alluded to in the painting. In 1787, the volcano, "Chaparrastique", erupted threatening the town. As the lava approached, the people and their priests gathered in the townsquare with the statue and prayed for protection. Miraculously the lava was diverted south and the town was saved. It is recorded that when this took place a cloud the shape of a palm branch was seen resting atop the volcano. To commemorate this miracle, the people of the town placed a golden palm branch in the hand of La Reina de la Paz.

This panel painting is a study for the final 10-ft commissioned piece. Stay tuned for the finished piece.