paintings

Juan Diego falls to his knees in reverent awe as the Virgin of Guadalupe appears. Speaking softly, she calls to him lovingly, like a mother. Symbolically, artifacts of the Aztec Empire lay scattered at her feet. Fernando Sayan Polo recreates the moment in 1531 when Guadalupe first appeared in Mexico and, as proof of her visit, caused roses to bloom at the site. Because church leaders did not believe Juan Diego had seen her, she instructed him to gather a bouquet in his cloak, or tilma, and take them back with him. When the bishops opened the cloak, the Virgin's portrait appeared. The original tilma is on display in her Basilica in Mexico City.

Titled "Virgen de Guadalupe" in Spanish.

Fernando Sayan Polo depicts the Holy Family enjoying an afternoon in the countryside. Sumptuous brocades adorned with gleaming bronze leaf envelop the Virgin and Saint Joseph, and both are enthralled by little Jesus, who pets a lamb. Christ is known as the Good Shepherd, a metaphor taken from the gospel and prefigured in the Psalms. Representing unblemished sacrifice, modesty and innocence, the lamb became a symbol of Jesus during the first century A.D.

The portrait emulates classic religious art from Cuzco's city's and monasteries.

Titled "Sagrada Familia" in Spanish.

Descending from the sky in a burst of light, the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will bear son of God. The Virgin kneels reverently with downcast gaze, a symbol of perfect submission to divine will. Fernando Sayan Polo creates a beautiful painting based on the biblical story of the annunciation. He works in the style of Cuzco's splendid colonial masterpieces.

A beautiful Madonna takes the children outdoors to enjoy a splendid afternoon in the countryside. Little Jesus and her cousin Elisabeth's little boy — who grew up to became Saint John the Baptist — stay close to Mary, who is ever watchful. Fernando Sayan Polo takes his inspiration from the 1507 masterpiece by Raphael Sanzio da Urbino, a painter in Italy during the High Renaissance. La belle jardinière,, also known as "Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist," depicts the Virgin and young boys in a similar pose. But the Peruvian artist adds halos bathed in gleaming bronze leaf and golden brocade to Mary's opulent gown.

Titled "Sagrada Familia con San Juanito" in Spanish.

By Fernando Sayan Polo, this elegant oil on canvas depicts the Holy Family with Mary's cousin Elisabeth and her son, who grew up to became Saint John the Baptist. The Peruvian artist take his inspiration from the 1508 High Renaissance masterpiece by Raphael Sanzio da Urbino. The original painting is known as the "Canigiani Holy Family," named for the family of Florence that purchased it from Raphael. It is now housed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

Sayan Polo brings his own vision to the composition, changing the background and dressing the trio in rich silk brocades. The cherubs, known as putti, are no longer present. Instead, he crowns Joseph with a glittering halo in this reverent work of art.

Titled "Sagrada Familia con la señora Elisabeth" in Spanish.

Gowned in glittering splendor, Our Lady of the Rosary is the patron saint of the town of Pomata in Puna. Roses surround her head like a halo. Bowing her head toward her baby, she cradles the infant Jesus close to her heart as the child reaches out a tiny hand to grasp her rosary.

Titled "Virgen del Rosario de Pomata" in Spanish.