María Santiago Burgos
Puerto Rican, born 1958
Saint Lucy / Santa Lucía, 2002
Polychromed wood
8 ¾ x 2 3/8 x 2 3/8 inches
Lent from a private Florida collection

Saint Lucy's most common attribute is a plate holding a pair of eyes. According to legend, this saint from ancient times had a suitor who was attracted to the brightness of her eyes. Determined to maintain her chastity, she gouged out her eyes and handed them to the man on a dish. Inspired by her unwavering devotion, the man converted to Christianity.