Saint: Santa Liberata/Saint Wilgefortis

José Rafael Aragón, New Mexico, 1820-1862 Gesso, and water-soluble paint on wood 13” x 11” History Collection NMHM, 2007.32.60

According to legend, this unfortunate woman was crucified by order of her own father, a pagan king, after she refused his demand to renounce her vow of chastity and marry. Her prayers for liberation from her fate were answered when she grew a thick beard making her undesirable. Her angry father accused her of witchcraft and had her put to death. She is usually depicted without the beard.