Framed dimensions: H: 7.25" W: 6"
 
This handmade print of St. Pedro de Jesús Maldonado was created using the traditional technique of drypoint etching (aguafuerte) combined with aquatint (agua tinta) over a zinc plate, a meticulous intaglio process. In this method, a metal plate is coated with a protective ground, and the design is carefully drawn onto the surface, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is then immersed in acid, which etches the exposed lines into the metal. The artist also applies aquatint to create tonal effects, adding depth and texture to the image. Afterward, ink is applied to the etched lines and tonal areas, and the image is transferred onto fine cotton paper using a printing press. This time-honored technique allows for intricate detail and rich tonal variations, beautifully capturing the saint's serene and steadfast spirit.
 
About San Pedro de Jesus Maldonado:

This handmade print pays tribute to St. Pedro de Jesús Maldonado, the first canonized saint from Chihuahua, Mexico, whose life of faith and sacrifice deeply impacted communities on both sides of the border. He was ordained a priest on January 25, 1918, in the Cathedral of St. Patrick in El Paso, Texas, for the Archdiocese of Chihuahua, Mexico, by Bishop Anthony Joseph Schuler, S.J., Bishop of El Paso. St. Pedro began his ministry with a deep commitment to serving the spiritual needs of the most vulnerable, even amid the violent religious persecution of the Cristero War. His unwavering devotion to the Eucharist and fearless dedication to his calling ultimately led to his martyrdom in 1937, when he was brutally attacked and killed while defending his faith. This artwork, crafted using a traditional metal plate engraving and printed on fine cotton paper, captures his serene and steadfast spirit. The etching technique, which allows for intricate detail and depth, beautifully commemorates his profound connection to El Paso and his enduring legacy as a saint of courage, sacrifice, and faith.
 
About the artist:
Rodriguez’s artistic journey blends formal training and rich mentorship with personal exploration. Initially self-taught, he later studied under Jesús Gallardo Carrillo, a renowned landscape artist from Guanajuato, whose guidance shaped his early vision. He formalized his education at the Faculty of Arts and Design at UNAM in 2013, specializing in metal engraving under esteemed professors Eugenia Figueroa Mendoza and Jose de Jesús Martínez Alvarez. From 2016 to 2017, he expanded his perspective through a mobility scholarship at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. His work interlaces everyday elements, botanical motifs, and scenic vistas, offering a unique dialogue between tradition and innovation.