For those of you who prefer a portrait over a sketch, this is one of about 4 paintings done in the 16th Century as portraits of St John Fisher (1469-1535), all derived from Hans Holbein the Younger's sketch, which we also carry. We thought this painting was closer to the sketch than the others; that this was close to what our Saint actually looked like.

St. John Fisher's story, as you may know, was that he, alone of all the bishops of England, would not agree that Henry VIII was the supreme Earthly ruler of the Church in England. All the other bishops, in confraternity, elected to save their own skins and their jobs and went along with Henry. Fisher was made a cardinal by the pope shortly before his death. The red that cardinals wear is a symbol of their willingness to follow the way of Christ to the passion and death, and St. John Fisher, now recognized even by the Church of England as a Saint, chose that way instead of "opting out."

The original sketch by Holbein (1497-1543) was done perhaps in 1532 or even in 1535 in the Tower, just before Fisher's execution. This painting was done a few decades later by what Christie's auction house calls "The English School." Blessings to you all in these difficult times, benedictiones in omnibus vobis.

Thanks for your interest!
Sue & John

!!!IMPORTANT!!! THE IMAGE IS SMALLER THAN THE PAPER FOR THE SMALLER SIZES!!!!!
There is a blank white margin around the paper, 1/2" for 5x7", 1.3" for 8.5x11", and 1.6" for 11x14", and 1.75" for the 13x17" and 16x20".
For the poster sizes, 18x24" and 24x36", those are cropped and printed to the edge of the paper, without borders.

-Archival-quality print. Printed with archival pigments designed to last for generations when kept dry and out of the direct sun.
-Acid-free paper. Image is smaller than paper!!
-Cardboard backer.
-Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag
-Comes with the above story of the image.

You might also enjoy original Catholic Art and Jewelry by me, Sue Kouma Johnson, here on Etsy at www.Etsy.com/shop/TreeOfHeaven
Also, check out our Catholic Quote shop, where we are pairing authentic quotes from Saints with Art: www.Etsy.com/shop/CatholicQuote

"In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art." ~ St. Pope John Paul II

Original image is out-of-copyright. Descriptive text and image alterations (hence the whole new image) © by Sue Kouma Johnson - Classic Catholic Art.