12 X 15 inches, matted and framed, print 5:5, based on a print depicting Saint Brendan the Mariner from the New Bedford Whaling Museum, by Kitt Shaffer of Westport, MA.

Kitt Shaffer‘s most recent works include white line printing as well as landscapes and figures in oil and pastel. She has a particular interest in landscapes of the Southcoast region and depictions of whales. Her many shows in New England and Italy, along with examples of her work, can be seen on her website.

The tale of St. Brendan the Navigator setting sail in a skin boat from the coast of Ireland in the 6th century has held great appeal for eons. According to legend, the Abbot of Clonfert set out with several companions in search of the mythological “Isles of the Blessed,” reported to lie somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. During the voyage, Brendan thought he had washed ashore, but in fact, his vessel had grounded on the back of a whale. On it he said Mass and gave thanks for their good fortune.