Efraín Torres Camacho
Puerto Rican, born 1937
Saint Wilgefortis / Santa Librada, 2002
Polychromed wood, mixed media
19 ½ x 9 x 3 ¾ inches
Lent from a private Florida collection

The legend of Saint Wilgefortis tells of a third-century martyr—a beautiful young maiden who had vowed a life of chastity. To avoid the advances of a suitor, Wilgefortis miraculously grew a beard. Although this saved her from the man's advances, she was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Saint Wilgefortis, also known as Liberata, Uncumber, and Virgo-Fortis, is the patron saint of difficult marriages.