Saint Peter Claver – The Slave of the Slaves

Bring home this breathtaking portrait of Saint Peter Claver (1580–1654), the Jesuit missionary who dedicated his life to serving the enslaved Africans arriving at the port of Cartagena. This image captures the moment of compassion when Peter gently comforts one of the newly arrived captives, offering mercy, healing, and hope.

Rendered in rich Renaissance-inspired tones with an ornate golden halo, this piece radiates both sorrow and triumph — a testimony to Christ’s love shining in the darkest places. Perfect for inspiring devotion, missionary zeal, and a renewed sense of human dignity in any home, classroom, or chapel.

Saint Peter Claver was born in 1580 in Catalonia, Spain, and entered the Society of Jesus at age 22. Inspired by Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, he sailed across the Atlantic to Cartagena, Colombia — one of the busiest slave ports in the Americas.

For more than 40 years, he climbed aboard slave ships as soon as they docked, bringing food, water, medicine, and comfort. He washed wounds, prayed over the dying, baptized more than 300,000 enslaved Africans, and even converted sailors and merchants complicit in the slave trade.

Though forgotten and neglected in his final years, Peter offered his suffering as prayer for those he served. Canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, he remains a powerful witness to the dignity of every human person.

Symbolism in the Art

• Golden Halo – Signifies sanctity and Christ-like mercy.

• Crucifix in Hand – Represents Peter’s mission to bring the presence of Christ to the enslaved.

• Bread, Citrus, and Clay Jugs – Symbols of physical relief and healing.

• Sunlit Harbor – Represents divine light breaking through darkness.

Perfect For

• Parish missionary and social justice programs

• Catholic schools teaching Church history

• Home prayer corners or personal devotion

• Gifts for catechists, Jesuits, and those working for human dignity

Product Details

• Format: High-resolution digital download (PNG)

• Style: Ultra-lifelike, hyper-photorealistic watercolor with golden ornate detailing

• Orientation: Portrait (4:5 ratio)

• Resolution: 300 DPI – ready to print up to poster size

Feast Day & Patronage

• Feast Day: September 9

• Patron Of: Slaves, African missions, seafarers, and human rights