Servant of God Julia Greeley was born into slavery in Missiouri in the early 19th century. She lost an eye from a slavemaster’s abuse. After emanacipation, she settled in Denver, and was baptized into the Catholic Church in 1880. She became locally renowned for her deep devotion and her commitment to almsgiving. She used the money she earned as a cook and nanny to buy food, coal, clothing, and other necessities for the poor. She distributed her gifts from a red wagon at night. Her kindness earned her the epithet Denver’s Angel of Charity.
Only one known photograph survives of Julia. Since most existing artwork of her copies that image, I tried to imagine how she would look from a different perspective. I interpreted her little red wagon as the Chariot of Aminadab from the Song of Songs, which often appears in medieval art supporting a crucifix. I included an emblem of the Sacred Heart, one of her favorite devotions, surmounted with a Tau cross because she was a secular Francisican.
Because she did much of her charitable work at night incognito, I drew her against a starry background. I let the new moon stand in place of a halo, since she is not yet beatified. The surrounding ornament is composed of Colorado columbine, representing the place most associated with her, and the Holy Spirit.
Medium: Drawing, color ink on goatskin parchment
Dimensions: ~7" × 8"
Year: 2025
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: $45
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13" × 14" large print: $90
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154dpi digital download: $9
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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 danielmitsuiartist@gmail.com.
