St. Apollonia was a virgin martyr of the Decian persecution. She was tortured by having her teeth pulled out, and then burned alive. She is the patron saint of dentists and dentistry.
The ornament in the border is composed of lilac sprigs and gold nuggets, in reference to the academic colors for dental surgery, and an inscription: Sancta Apollonia virgo martyr, ora pro nobis, or Saint Apollonia, virgin martyr, pray for us.
The inscription in the halo is from Genesis 49.12: Dentes eius lacte candidiores, or His teeth are whiter than milk.
The molar in the bas-de-page includes an image of St. George battling a tooth worm, an imagined creature that in the Middle Ages was thought to be the cause of toothaches. Two others include the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus (a pun on cavity), and St. Patrick, whose teeth were widely venerated as relics.
Due to her patronage, I drew St. Apollonia smiling with her teeth visible, which is not usual in religious iconography. The pattern of phœnixes and salamanders on her garment refer to her death by fire. She holds the pliers that were used to pull out her teeth, and a palm of martyrdom.
Medium: Drawing, color ink on calfskin vellum
Dimensions: 9" × 12"
Year: 2024
The original drawing was made on private commission.
Open-edition giclée prints of this drawing are available. You may use the buttons below to pay via PayPal, debit card, or credit card. Be sure to confirm the shipping address.
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Actual size art print: $101
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18" × 24" large print: $202
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200dpi digital download: $20
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See this page for additional ordering instructions and general information. If you want to pay via a check or money order, please e-mail me at danielmitsui@danielmitsui.com.
