church jewelry

Billowing clouds drift in a blue sky above the picturesque town of Antigua. Bonifacio Maxia Cutzal depicts the Calle de los Pasos and the 17th-century School of Christ Church. A total of twelve churches line the cobblestone lane in this charming colonial barrio, or neighborhood.

Titled "El Barrio de La Escuela de Cristo" 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.

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.

The Volcan de Agua rises above the picturesque town of Antigua, standing watch over a cobblestone street. Bonifacio Maxia Cutzal depicts the Calle de los Pasos, and the bell tower of the School of Christ Church. "I like this street because of its many chapels, a total of 12," the Guatemalan artist confides. "Antigua is a town of vivid colors. I enjoy walking with my children in this colonial city."

Titled "Calle de los Pasos" in Spanish.

Bonifacio Maxia Cutzal celebrates the beauty of Lake Atitlan with its cold, blue waters. Working in oils on canvas, he paints the view from San Antonio Palopó, focusing on the town's lovely church. "Pause and appreciate the extraordinary view of the lake. Stand at the entrance of the chapel and you can see the white cross and the picturesque village. This is a quiet yet charismatic town and I so enjoy coming here with my family," the artist says.

Titled "San Antonio Palopó" in Spanish.

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.