This discount Is No Saint -- original linoleum block print

In 2015, Pope Francis visited the United States, and made Junipero Serra into a saint.

Serra, a Franciscan priest, is best known as the founder of the mission system in California, although he was active in developing missions throughout Mexico as well. The string of twenty-one missions stretched from San Diego to San Francisco, and through them thousands of Native Americans were converted to Christianity. Along the way, Native religion, culture, and customs were eradicated. Those who tried to flee the missions were whipped, shackled, and tortured. When the missions finally closed their doors in 1834, the Indian population was only one-third of what it had been when they opened in 1769.

Apologists for Serra write that he was a man of his time, and only doing what he thought was right. That may be so, but now, in the 21st century, our understanding of human discount rights and dignity is very different, and to canonize Serra in the modern era is to ignore the dark side of his efforts.

Here Serra is shown in front of Mission San Carlos Borremeo in Carmel, California. Is he blessing the Native Americans, or bludgeoning them with his cross? Those who have already moved into the mission system are laboring around the church. The new arrivals react with a mix of skepticism and acceptance.

"This Is No Saint"
Original linoleum block print, edition of 20
Signed and numbered by the artist
Image size: 15" x 10"
Paper size: 22" x 15"
Printed on Rives BFK using Speedball Professional ink

Free shipping in the USA. The print will be mailed in a protective sleeve with a sturdy backing.