Description

Please allow 7-10 business days for printing before shipment.

About the Artwork

The Marian apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, were without a doubt the most important such apparitions in the 20th century. Our Lady appeared several times to three shepherd children, sorrowfully entreating them to pray the rosary daily for the salvation of souls, and requesting that Russia be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart. This piece is an illustration of the “Miracle of the Sun” which took place at the end of the apparitions at Fatima, on 13 October 1917. There were hundreds of eyewitnesses to this stupendous celestial event. Here Dr. Almeida Garrett, PhD (Coimbra University), describes his experience:

“I was looking at the place of the apparitions, in a serene, if cold, expectation of something happening, and with diminishing curiosity, because a long time had passed without anything to excite my attention. Then I heard a shout from thousands of voices and saw the multitude suddenly turn its back and shoulders away from the point toward which up to now it had directed its attention, and turn to look at the sky on the opposite side.

“It must have been nearly two o’clock by the legal time, and about midday by the sun. The sun, a few moments before, had broken through the thick layer of clouds which hid it, and shone clearly and intensely. I veered to the magnet which seemed to be drawing all eyes, and saw it as a disc with a clean-cut rim, luminous and shining, but which did not hurt the eyes. I do not agree with the comparison which I have heard made in Fátima – that of a dull silver disc. It was a clearer, richer, brighter color, having something of the luster of a pearl. It did not in the least resemble the moon on a clear night because one saw it and felt it to be a living body. It was not spheric like the moon, nor did it have the same color, tone, or shading. It looked like a glazed wheel made of mother-of-pearl. It could not be confused, either, with the sun seen through fog (for there was no fog at the time), because it was not opaque, diffused or veiled. In Fátima it gave light and heat and appeared clear-cut with a well-defined rim.

“The sky was mottled with light cirrus clouds with the blue coming through here and there, but sometimes the sun stood out in patches of clear sky. The clouds passed from west to east and did not obscure the light of the sun, giving the impression of passing behind it, though sometimes these flecks of white took on tones of pink or diaphanous blue as they passed before the sun.

“It was a remarkable fact that one could fix one’s eyes on this brazier of heat and light without any pain in the eyes or blinding of the retina. The phenomenon, except for two interruptions when the sun seemed to send out rays of refulgent heat which obliged us to look away, must have lasted about ten minutes.

“The sun’s disc did not remain immobile. This was not the sparkling of a, heavenly body, for it spun round on itself in a mad whirl. Then, suddenly, one heard a clamor, a cry of anguish breaking from all the people. The sun, whirling wildly, seemed to loosen itself from the firmament and advance threateningly upon the earth as if to crush us with its huge and fiery weight. The sensation during those moments was terrible.

“During the solar phenomenon, which I have just described in detail, there were changes of color in the atmosphere. Looking at the sun, I noticed that everything around was becoming darkened. I looked first at the nearest objects and then extended my glance further afield as far as the horizon. I saw everything an amethyst color. Objects around me, the sky and the atmosphere, were of the same color. An oak tree nearby threw a shadow of this color on the ground.

“Fearing that I was suffering from an affection of the retina, an improbable explanation because in that case one could not see things purple-colored, I turned away and shut my eyes, keeping my hands before them to intercept the light. With my back still turned, I opened my eyes and saw that the landscape was the same purple color as before.

“The impression was not that of an eclipse, and while looking at the sun I noticed that the atmosphere had cleared. Soon after I heard a peasant who was near me shout out in tones of astonishment: “Look, that lady is all yellow!”

“And in fact everything, both near and far, had changed, taking on the color of old yellow damask. People looked as if they were suffering from jaundice, and I recall a sensation of amusement at seeing them look so ugly and unattractive. My own hand was the same color. All the phenomena which I have described were observed by me in a calm and serene state of mind, and without any emotional disturbance. It is for others to interpret and explain them.” – Dr. Almeida Garrett, PhD (Coimbra University), eyewitness of the “Miracle of the Sun” at Fatima, 13 October 1917.

The original piece was painted with watercolor on watercolor paper, size A2, 2019.

Product Details

NO WHITE BORDERS – printed to edge of paper.  Three sizes: 5×7″, 8×10″, and 9×12″

Fine art giclée print from original watercolor painting, printed on acid-free 300 gsm archival watercolor paper. Mat and frame not included.

I have rigorously tested the colors of the prints to make sure they resemble the original artwork as closely as possible; however, please be aware that all computer monitors display colors slightly differently, so the colors in your print may appear different in real life than they do on screen.

Printed to order and shipped directly to you from our printer in PA. Watermark will not appear on your print.

Because this product is made to order, I can only accept returns/exchanges if the product arrives damaged, but I will do everything possible to make sure you are satisfied with your order. 

Original Painting Available

The original artwork (watercolor on paper, 60×42 cm, 2020) is also available. Price is $800 + shipping and/or any applicable taxes; layaway available. If interested, please contact me using the form below.