St. Blaise of Sebaste

This richly symbolic digital watercolor portrait of St. Blaise, 4th-century bishop and martyr, blends lifelike realism with iconographic tradition. The saint is shown in episcopal vestments, gently holding crossed candles and a metal comb—symbols of healing and martyrdom. A wolf at his side reflects the legends of his kindness to animals. Behind his head, a golden halo bears the Latin phrase “Per Crucem ad Lucem” (“Through the Cross to the Light”), reminding viewers of the redemptive path of suffering transformed by Christ.

St. Blaise (d. c. 316), bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, was renowned for his miraculous healings and deep compassion. According to tradition, he healed a choking child through the blessing of crossed candles—a custom now honored in the Blessing of Throats on his feast day. He lived as a hermit, befriending wild animals, until arrested during the persecutions of Licinius. Tortured with iron combs and eventually beheaded for his faith, he became a beloved patron of the sick and a powerful intercessor for physical healing.

🎨 Symbolism in the Art:

• Crossed Candles: Refer to the miraculous healing of the choking boy and the Blessing of Throats

• Iron Comb: Symbol of his martyrdom and a tool of his torture

• Wolf Companion: Echoes his legend of taming and protecting animals

• Gold Halo with Latin Inscription: Represents martyrdom and divine glory

• Red Vestments with Gold Crosses: Liturgical color for martyrs and bishops

✨ Perfect For:

• Devotional wall art

• Gifts for those struggling with illness

• Feast day displays on February 3

• Catholic homeschool or classroom decorations

• Clergy, healers, and veterinarians

📥 Product Details:

• Instant digital download

• High-resolution PNG format

• Portrait orientation, watermark-free

• Optimized for printing up to 16x20 inches

📅 Feast Day: February 3
🙏 Patronage: Throat illnesses, physicians, wool combers, animals, veterinarians