Vintage Bronze Decorative Wall Sculpture / Plaque of Santa (St.) Barbara

Details

Description

Vintage bronze wall plaque in the shape of a Spanish roof tile depicting Saint Barbara, a Christian Saint and martyr. … Read more Vintage bronze wall plaque in the shape of a Spanish roof tile depicting Saint Barbara, a Christian Saint and martyr. This piece reminds us of one of our favorite places in California. It has the Spanish Colonial vibe and the patron saint the city was named after. Legend claims Barbara was the daughter of a Roman official named Dioscorus in the 3rd century. After converting to Christianity against her father's will, she was locked in a tower by her father and subsequently beheaded by him for her faith. The story says he was then struck dead by lightning immediately afterward. She is now recognized as a patron saint of professions like miners, artillerymen, and firefighters, often associated with protection from lightning and explosions. The significance of the date ‘1658’ is unknown, however the Spanish maritime explorer to the California coast Sebastián Vizcaíno named the channel "Santa Barbara" on December 4, 1602 because it was the feast day of Saint Barbara. Perhaps this piece is a reproduction of an original work made at that time. See less