Sculpture

High relief sculpture

Works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches

Posted 8 October, 2025 by Vonn

Works by A.Vonn Hartung

in Catholic Churches

The following are works of art by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches, in Puerto Rico, Connecticut, Florida, and the Vatican (Pontifical North American College, Hall of Saints).

Paintings, portraits, wood sculpture (high relief and full statues), murals, mosaics, “stained glass” windows

Casa de Niños Manuel Fernández Juncos (capilla), Miramar, San Juan, Puerto Rico

—La Madre Dolorosa, High Relief Wood Sculpture, 33 x 27 inches, Pau Lope wood, commissioned by Padre Julio Victor Garcia, 1991

—Sagrario “He is Risen” 20 x 14 x 12-inches, high relief wood sculpture on the door of Sagrario, commissioned by Padre Jorge Castillejo, 1992

—Altar and Ambo, high relief wood sculpture, Pau Lope wood, commissioned by Padre Jorge Castillejo, 1992

"La Madre Dolorosa" (Sorrowful Mother) wood sculpture (high relief) by AVonnHartung for Casa de Niños Manuel Fernandez Juncos (Miramar SJ, Puerto Rico — ***La Madre Dolorosa***

Parroquia San Francisco Javier, Urb Fairview, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

—San Francisco Javier Baptizing, painting on wood panel, 7 x 11 feet, altarpiece (retablo), commissioned by Padre Julio Victor Garcia, 2002

—Vivimos para esa Noche (Beato Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago), oil portrait on canvas, commissioned by Padre Julio Victor Garcia, 2000

"En el Nombre del Padre..." San Francisco Javier Baptizing, retablo painting by AVonnHartung, in Parroquia San Francisco Javier (Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico) — ***San Francisco Javier***

Hermanas Misioneras del Buen Pastor, Caguas, Puerto Rico

—El Buen Pastor / The Lost Sheep, painted mural on canvas (after Alfred Soord, The Lost Sheep), 9 x 12 feet, Sanctuary of Capilla, commissioned by las Hermanas Misioneras del Buen Pastor, circa 1986

—Las Huellas del Buen Pastor, oil painting (small mural), 40 x 60 inches, commissioned by las Hermanas Misioneras del Buen Pastor, 1995

The Lost Sheep— one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***El Buen Pastor / The Lost Sheep***

Parroquia El Buen Pastor, Guaynabo (Apolo), Puerto Rico

—El Buen Pastor, a painting on wood panel, 4 x 8 feet, commissioned by Padre Jaime Vazquez Rojas, 2003

El Buen Pastor— one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — **El Buen Pastor**

Parroquia Santa Rosa de Lima, Guaynabo (Barrio Amelia), Puerto Rico

—A Mural of Faith: Art in the Light of Christ, a painted mural in the Sanctuary, 29 x 65 feet, commissioned by Padre Julio Victor Garcia, 1997.

—Stations of the Cross, 14 painted panels, each 4 x 8 feet (gilded with gold and copper leaf) in the nave, commissioned by Mons. Antonio “Tito” José Vázquez, 2001

—Cordero 2, wood carving (for Sagrario), commissioned by Padre José Gregorio Guaipo

—Fourteen Stations of the Resurrection, giclee prints on wood panels, Padre José Gregorio Guaipo

—Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago, large giclee print on canvas, Padre José Gregorio Guaipo

Jesus takes up his cross, ViaCrucis station 2 painting by A.Vonn Hartung—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***Jesus takes up his cross***

Parroquia Maria Auxiliadora, La Cantera, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

—La Misericordia de San Juan Bosco, painting on wood panel, 3 ½ x 8 feet, commissioned by Padre Nicolás “Colacho” Navarro SDB, 2011

—San Juan Bosco blesses his successor, Blessed Michael Rua, painting on a wood panel, 3 ½ x 8 feet, commissioned by Padre Nicolás “Colacho” Navarro SDB, 2011

—Santo Domingo Savio (4 paintings on wood panels), in the side altars of the Sanctuary, commissioned by Padre Nicolás “Colacho” Navarro SDB, 2014

—Forever Young, a 27 square foot painting for the students of Colegio San Juan Bosco at Parroquia Maria Auxiliadora, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB, 2017

—Fourteen Stations of the Resurrection, large giclee prints on wood panels, commissioned by Padre Nicolás “Colacho” Navarro SDB, 2018

Colegio Maria Auxiliadora (in capilla), Santurce, Puerto Rico

—Mi Vida es para los Jovenes, vitral (oil paint on Lexan), commissioned by Sor Estela Baez y las Hermanas Salesianas, circa 2003.

—Santa Maria Mazzarello, vitral (oil paint on Lexan), commissioned by Sor Estela Baez y las Hermanas Salesianas, circa 2003.

Mi vida es para los Jovenes, "Stained glass" window (oil paint on Lexan) by A.Vonn Hartung—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***Mi Vida es para los Jóvenes***

Parroquia San Juan Bosco, Villa Palmeras (Calle Lutz), San Juan, Puerto Rico

—Ten Stations of the Resurrection, vitrales (oil paint on Lexan), commissioned by Padre Luis Gomez SDB, circa 2005.

Parroquia San Juan Bautista, Orocovis (pueblo), Puerto Rico

—La Vida y Profecia de San Juan Bautista (The Life and Prophecy of St. John the Baptist), mosaic mural, 500 square feet in three arches, Sanctuary, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

—Last Supper (oil paint on Lexan), in Santisima Chapel, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

—El Pan y el Vino (two “stained glass” windows, oil paint on Lexan) in Santisima Chapel, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

—Resurrección (stained glass window) in Santisima Chapel, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

—El Nacimiento de San Juan Bautista (three “stained glass” windows, oil paint on Lexan) in Sacristy, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

"The Life and Prophecy of St. John the Baptist" mosic mural by AVonnHartung in Orocovis, Puerto Rico—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***La Vida y Profecía de San Juan Bautista***

Capilla San Juan Bosco, Orocovis (Barrio Gato), Puerto Rico

—El Sueño de las Dos Columnas (Dream of the Two Columns), a painted mural in the Sanctuary of Capilla, 18 x 50 feet, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

—Fourteen Stations of the Resurrection, “stained glass” windows—oil paint on Lexan, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

—Two large “vitrales” (theme of the mural “Dream of the Two Columns”), oil paint on Lexan, commissioned by Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

"El Sueño de las Dos Columnas" San Juan Bosco/ "The Dream of the Two Columns" mural by AVonnHartung, in Capilla San Juan Bosco (Orocovis, Puerto Rico) — ***El Sueño de las Dos Columnas***

Capilla Divino Niño Jesús, Orocovis (Botijas), Puerto Rico

—San José con el Niño Jesús, acrylic painting on wood panel, in the Sanctuary, commissioned by Padre Demetrio Coello SDB and the Salesian community.

—Jesús Resucitado, acrylic painting on wood panel, in the Sanctuary, commissioned by Padre Demetrio Coello SDB and the Salesian community.

—Maria Auxiliadora, acrylic painting on wood panel, in the Sanctuary, commissioned by Padre Demetrio Coello SDB and the Salesian community.

San Jose with Niño Jesus —one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***San José con Niño Jesús***

Catedral San Juan Bautista, Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico

—Stations of the Resurrection, 14 paintings on wood panels, 24 x 24 inches, 2015, on loan from the artist, A.Vonn Hartung, to Mons Roberto Gonzalez Nieves, 2018 (NOTE: Giclee prints of these paintings are on display in several churches in Puerto Rico.)

—Carved Andas, (for processions) commissioned by Mons Roberto Gonzalez Nieves with liturgical consultant Hector Balvanera, 2015

—Misericordia, a painting on wood panel, 2015, commissioned by the Archbishop of San Juan, S.E.R. Monseñor Roberto González Nieves, for the arch above the main doors of Catedral San Juan Bautista in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to commemorate Pope Francis’ declared Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy 2015-2016. Liturgical consultant Hector Balvanera.

Capilla María Auxiliadora, Carolina (rural), Puerto Rico

—Saint Joseph, Protector, carved statue, approximately 3 feet high, in Capilla, commissioned by Padre Rafael de Jesús Gonzalez Ayala CRL, 2017

—Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago, giclee print on canvas, Padre Rafael de Jesús Gonzalez Ayala CRL, 2017

St. Joseph, Protector, carved statue by A.Vonn Hartung—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***St. Joseph, Protector***

Catedral Dulce Nombre de Jesús, Caguas, Puerto Rico

—Cordero, wood carving for Beato Carlos Manuel Rodriguez’s tomb, commissioned by Mons. Ruben Antonio Gonzalez Medina CMF, 2001

Parroquia Maria Madre de mi Señor, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

—Before Birth: Mary at the Manger, acrylic painting on canvas, 24 x 36 inches, commissioned by Padre Jairo Granados, 2021

Before birth, Mary at the manger, painting by A.Vonn Hartung—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***Before Birth, Mary at the Manger***

Parroquia Corazón de Jesús, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

—Fourteen Stations of the Cross, Giclee prints mounted on wood panel, commissioned by Padre Phillip (Felipe) Nuñez, 2020

— Fourteen Stations of the Resurrection, Giclee prints mounted on wood panel, commissioned by Padre Phillip (Felipe) Nuñez, 2020

Parroquia San Ignacio de Loyola, San Juan, Puerto Rico

—Replica of high relief ceramic sculpture St Benedict of Nursia, 32 x 11 x 3 inches, Forton Hydrocal (architectural stone), Rev. Ron Gonzales, SJ

—Replica of high relief ceramic sculpture, St Francis of Assisi, 32 x 11 x 3 inches, Forton Hydrocal (architectural stone), Rev. Ron Gonzales, SJ

—Replica of high relief ceramic sculpture, St Ignatius of Loyola, 32 x 11 x 3 inches, Forton Hydrocal (architectural stone), Rev. Ron Gonzales, SJ

—Our Lady of Guadalupe with San Juan Diego, oil painting on canvas, commissioned by Parroquia San Ignacio (9:30 Community) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2003

—Fourteen Stations of the Resurrection, giclee prints mounted on wood, Father Lawrence Searles SJ, 2018

"Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe with St. Juan Diego" painting by AVonnHartung — ***Our Lady of Guadalupe with San Juan Diego***

Salesianos Aibonito (capilla), Puerto Rico

—Ten Stations of the Resurrection, giclee prints on wood, commissioned by Padre Demetrio Coello SDB and the Salesian community.

—Bread and wine, wood carving for altar, commissioned by Padre Demetrio Coello SDB and the Salesian community.

Parroquia Santa Luisa de Marillac, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

—Fourteen Stations of the Resurrection, giclee prints on wood, Padre Tomás G. Gonzalez, 2020

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St. Joseph Church, New London, Connecticut

—Saint Dymphna, Life-size statue, Cedro odorata, Commissioned by Father Mark O’Donnell, 2021

St. Dymphna, carved life-size statue by A.Vonn Hartung—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***Saint Dymphna***

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Gales Ferry, Connecticut

—Baptism, Life-size high relief wood sculpture, Linden wood, commissioned by Our Lady of Lourdes Church, circa 1983

—Last Supper, Life-size high relief wood sculpture, Linden wood, commissioned by Our Lady of Lourdes Church, circa 1983

—Carved Hymn board, 4 x 6 feet (opened), Honduran Mahogany, commissioned by Our Lady of Lourdes Church, circa 1983

Last Supper high relief wood sculpture by AVonnHartung (at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Gales Ferry, Connecticut)—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***The Last Supper***

St. John Church, Montville, Connecticut

Crucified Christ, Life-size on a 10-foot cross, Linden Wood and Mahogany, commissioned by Monsignor Bronislaw Gadarowski, 1981

Agony of Crucifixion wood sculpture by A.Vonn Hartung for St. John's Catholic Church (Montville, Connecticut)—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***The Agony of Crucifixion***

St. Paul Church, Pensacola, Florida

Six Carved Saints (Paul, Peter, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), high relief wood sculptures, tropical cedar (12-inches x 33-inches x 3-inches) for the ambo, commissioned by Pastor Doug Halsema with liturgical consultant Steven Schloeder, 2008

St. John Evangelist high relief wood sculpture by AVonnHartung for St. Paul's Catholic Church (Pensacola, Florida)—one of the works by A.Vonn Hartung in Catholic Churches — ***St. John Evangelist***

The Holy Family, high relief wood sculpture, tropical cedar, 42 x 44 inches, commissioned by the Unanue Freeborg family, Miami, Florida, 2012

"Holy Family" is a high relief wood sculpture by AVonnHartung — ***The Holy Family***

Pontifical North American College, Vatican

Beato Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago, painting on canvas, 34 x 26 inches, in the Hall of Saints, commissioned by Mons Roberto Gonzalez Nieves, Archbishop of San Juan, 2001

***Church murals, paintings, and sculpture***

AVonnHartung_interview-by-El-Visitante-Catholic-Newspaper-Puerto-Rico

Symbolist of the Sacred_NL Day article 1997

LosSurcoVitalesDeVonnHartung_el nuevo dia 1996

TheVitalFurrows ofVonnHartung_el nuevo dia 1996

FourCountyCatholic_span. trans.2004

NL Day article_Beato

Mural de la Fe

StaRosaMural_El nuevo dia 1997

My COVID-19 inspired woodcarving

Posted 20 September, 2025 by Vonn

(Scroll down for Spanish text)

When I learned of the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized I would be isolated, possibly for a long time. Therefore, I began thinking of a project that would address the situation and hold my own interest in considering how we arrived at this point in our history.

Having worked on environmental issues for over 50 years, I was deeply concerned about what was happening to our climate and specifically how we as humans have contributed to the dangerous outlooks being projected for the future concerning carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere.

"On Earth as it is in Heaven"_oil painting by AVonnHartung — “***On Earth as it is in Heaven***” oil painting 42-inches x 57-inches

As an artist, I had addressed the issue in a painting, “On Earth as it is in Heaven,” back in the early 1990s when I was a member of the Justice and Peace commission of the Catholic Church in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The painting made its rounds through a half dozen churches and some public displays. Still, it made little impact at the time that I was aware of.

When Pope Francis published his Encyclical “Laudato Si’: on Care for our Common Home” in 2015, it inspired me to keep evangelizing with the painting and continue my contacts with people who were also interested in the problem of our collapsing ecosystem.

Because of the imbalance that was becoming evident in the climate crisis, it seemed inevitable that some pandemic would eventually appear.

Eve and Adam (closeup detail)—a high relief woodcarving 19 x 44 x 3 inches

When the virus intensified and curfews and restrictions were announced in Puerto Rico on March 15, I began this woodcarving to express what I believe is the forbidden fruit that we are now tempted to harvest, or conversely, to desist from our addiction to it.

Consequently, this project is a culmination of my many years of witnessing and agonizing over our declining natural world; more importantly, it is a prayer of hope and healing for a healthy future. Moreover, as a prayer, I consider it a work of Sacred Art.

Eve and Adam (a high relief woodcarving, 19 x 44 x 3 inches)

Photo by John Betancourt

https://youtu.be/TPkFD8Xbkww

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Cuando me enteré de la pandemia de COVID-19, me di cuenta de que estaría aislado, posiblemente durante mucho tiempo. Por lo tanto, comencé a pensar en un proyecto que abordara la situación y que me interesara personalmente, considerando cómo llegamos a este punto de nuestra historia.

Habiendo trabajado en temas ambientales por más de 50 años, estaba profundamente preocupado por lo que estaba sucediendo con nuestro clima y específicamente cómo nosotros como humanos hemos contribuido a las peligrosas perspectivas que se proyectan para el futuro con respecto a las emisiones de dióxido de carbono (CO2) a la atmósfera.

Como artista, abordé el tema en una pintura, “Así en la Tierra como en el Cielo“, a principios de la década de 1990, cuando era miembro de la comisión de Justicia y Paz de la Iglesia Católica en San Juan, Puerto Rico. La pintura recorrió media docena de iglesias y algunas exposiciones públicas. Aun así, tuvo poco impacto en aquel momento, que yo supiera.

Cuando el Papa Francisco publicó su encíclica “Laudato Si’: sobre el cuidado de la casa común” en 2015, me inspiró a seguir evangelizando con la pintura y a mantener el contacto con personas interesadas en el problema del colapso de nuestro ecosistema.

Debido al desequilibrio que se hacía evidente en la crisis climática, parecía inevitable que eventualmente surgiera alguna pandemia.

Eve and Adam (closeup detail)

Cuando el virus se intensificó y se anunciaron toques de queda y restricciones en Puerto Rico el 15 de marzo, comencé esta talla en madera para expresar lo que creo es el fruto prohibido que ahora estamos tentados a cosechar, o por el contrario, a desistir de nuestra adicción a él.

En consecuencia, este proyecto es la culminación de mis muchos años de presenciar y agonizar por el deterioro de nuestro mundo natural; más importante aún, es una oración de esperanza y sanación por un futuro saludable. Además, como oración, la considero una obra de Arte Sacro.

Eve and Adam

2021 Visión: Paisajes de Nuestra Tierra

Posted 2 September, 2025 by Vonn

Exposición de arte

2021 Visión: Paisajes de Nuestra Tierra

Obras de A.Vonn Hartung

Inauguración del Centro de Bellas Artes Alejandro Cruz Ortiz

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

26 marzo a 26 junio 1998

2021 Visión: Paisajes de Nuestra Tierra

Estas obras representan para mí la transmisión de una visión artística, una visión que va desarrollándose, que yo experimento en el cosmos en comunión espiritual con la cultura y la vida natural con mis vecinos.

El arte me define la puerta a esta profunda realidad: en un mundo que se mueve con demasiada rapidez, el arte es el mecanismo que nos desacelera, la luz que nos dirige, el punto que da equilibrio a nuestra estabilidad. En un mundo de ciencia enajenante y tecnología efímera, es nuestro vínculo íntimo con nuestro Creador.

Lo que me interesa es la belleza y sus tensiones: la libre caída del movimiento, los aspectos pasajeros de lo permanente, la verdad total de la cual carecemos, nuestro extraño danzar con la oscuridad, nuestro anhelo por la luz, y nuestra capacidad de fe. Lo que exploro aquí es esa belleza y sus tensiones, sus balances, sus cualidades conocidas y desconocidas. Para mí, el arte es un acto de salvación.

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These works represent to me the transmission of an artistic vision. This vision is unfolding, one I experience in the cosmos through spiritual communion with the culture and natural life of my neighbors.

Art defines for me the gateway to this deeper reality: in a world that moves too fast, it is our braking mechanism, the searchlight of our direction, the balance point of our stability. In a world of detached science and ephemeral technology, it is our intimate link with our Creator.

It is beauty and its tensions that interest me: the free-falling part of motion, the fleeting aspects of permanence, the completeness of truth which we lack, our curious dance with darkness, our longing for light, and our capacity for faith. I am exploring here that beauty and its tension, its balances, its known and unknown qualities. For me, art is an act of salvation.

Exhibit Catalog

BellasArtesCatalog1998(4)

Some major works by Catholic artist A.Vonn Hartung

Posted 26 March, 2024 by Vonn

Some major works by Catholic artist A.Vonn Hartung

Acrylic painting on canvas, Let it be Done, portrays the Annunciation event. — ***Let it be Done***

Painting (acrylic) on canvas, 60 x 36-inches. The Angel Gabriel descends in divine glory and declares the message from God the Father. After pondering deep in her heart, the words and their meaning, Mary gives her consent. At that very moment she is filled with the luminous light of grace as she vows to fulfill the will of the Father and to deliver His only Son incarnate as Jesus Christ into the world according to His divine plan for our salvation. The painting is an interpretation of the visions received by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (Augustinian Nun) in 1821, with some added symbolism by the Artist to enhance and clarify the spiritual and prophetic consequences of the Annunciation Event. READ MORE.

Second Station of the Cross painting by A.Vonn Hartung—Jesus takes up his cross — ***Jesus takes up his cross***

Painting (acrylic) on wood panel, 48 x 96-inches. THESE STATIONS OF THE CROSS paintings show the process of conversion as Jesus was put to the test and tormented. They express a perspective that emphasizes the effect Jesus had on those present during his ordeal of carrying his own cross to his crucifixion on Calvary. As the bystanders are pulled into his suffering, we follow by observing closely, the actual Revelatory conversion of the principal Roman soldier; we see how the outpouring of grief and compassion of others around him begin to melt away his own cruelty and indifference. READ MORE.

Agony of Crucifixion wood sculpture by A.Vonn Hartung for St. John's Catholic Church (Montville, Connecticut) — **The Agony of Crucifixion**

Wood Sculpture, life-size (120 x 50-inches), Linden Wood with Mahogany cross.

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”

(“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) Mt 27.

I carved this crucified Christ after an in-depth study of the book, A Doctor at Calvary by Pierre Barbet M.D.,

a forensic pathologist’s analysis of the Holy Shroud of Turin.

It reveals a graphic account of Jesus’s suffering at the hands of the Romans. READ MORE.

"Forgive them Father" closeup detail of high relief wood sculpture by AVonnHartung — **Forgive them Father**, Wood Sculpture, 70 x 48-inches, Linden Wood (detail of full size sculpture)

High Relief Wood Sculpture, 33 x 27-inches, Pau Lope wood

Expresses the agony of Jesus through His mother Mary; the betrayal by Judas, the arrest, torturous scourging, trial, carrying of the cross, and finally the agonizing crucifixion and death at Golgotha.

The Sorrowful Mother contemplates the seven sorrows of her life, represented by the seven swords piercing her heart. READ MORE.

St. Luke high relief wood sculpture by AVonnHartung for St. Paul's Catholic Church (Pensacola, Florida) — **St. Luke the Evangelist**

High relief wood sculpture (33 x 12 x 3-inches), one of the six saints carved by A.Vonn Hartung for the Ambo of St. Paul’s Church in Pensacola, Florida. Artistically I have placed St. Luke the Evangelist in the center of his mission; I have conveyed, a feeling of the harmony brought to him through the gift of the Holy Spirit. READ MORE

St.Benedict of Nursia ceramic sculpture High relief by AVonnHartung for private collection (Puerto Rico) — ***St. Benedict of Nursia***

High Relief Ceramic Sculpture (32 x 11 x 3-inches)

Ora et labora (Pray and work)—refers to the Catholic monastic practice of working and praying. St. Benedict viewed prayer and work as partners and believed in combining contemplation with action. St. Benedict is shown here writing; this is significant for two major reasons. READ MORE

High Relief Ceramic Sculpture (32 x 11 x 3-inches)

St. Francis lived in the Holy Spirit.

He was in love with life and all of God’s Creation.
He brought the Light of Christ to a darkened world! READ MORE

Oil portrait on canvas (34 x 26-inches). Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez was beatified on April 29, 2001, by His Holiness (now Saint) John Paul II. He was the first Puerto Rican, the first Caribbean-born layperson and the first layperson in the history of the United States to be beatified. At the core of Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez’ spirituality (Pope John Paul II said) was his faith in the Resurrection. He promoted the Easter Vigil as the defining moment of Christian spiritual life, repeating often, “We live for that night.” (Vivimos para esa Noche). This portrait hangs in the Hall of Saints at the Pontifical North American College, Vatican, commissioned by Monseñor Roberto González Nieves, Archbishop of Puerto Rico. READ MORE.

**St. Dymphna**, Wood Sculpture, life-size statue, Spanish Cedar

Saint Dymphna, patron saint of mental illness, was martyred in the 7th century for her faith. At 14 years old she was beheaded by her father, a minor king, for her refusal to marry him and become his queen. She presents the Gospel of the Lord, her declaration of faith, and her shield. READ MORE.

Epiphany of the Miracle of the Eucharist

Posted 16 February, 2024 by Vonn

The Epiphany of the Miracle of the Eucharist

(Scroll down for Spanish text)

In this wood carving, “Epiphany of the Miracle of the Eucharist”, I express the Epiphany of the Miracle of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

As is revealed to us concerning the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-28)—
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

I carved Mary, Mother of Jesus, at the foot of the Cross in the moment of Epiphany of the Miracle of the Eucharist!

Mother Mary receiving the body and blood of Jesus, her son, into the form of the Holy Eucharist is, to me, the fulfillment of the Incarnation.

The original use of the word Epiphany is associated with the Divine Revelation in the visit of the Magi at the birth of our Lord, baby Jesus, at Bethlehem. This signifies that God came to Earth in human form for “the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15)

Photo by John Betancourt

Buy a giclee print of this wood carving

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Epifanía del Milagro de la Eucaristía

En esta talla de madera, “Epifanía del Milagro de la Eucaristía,” expreso la Epifanía del Milagro del Cuerpo y Sangre de Jesucristo en la Santísima Eucaristía.

Como se nos revela respecto de la Última Cena (Mateo 26:26-28)—

Mientras comían, Jesús tomó pan y lo bendijo. Luego lo partió y se lo dio a sus discípulos, diciéndoles:—Tomen y coman; esto es mi cuerpo. Después tomó una copa, dio gracias y se la dio a ellos diciéndoles:—Beban de ella todos ustedes. Esto es mi sangre del pacto que es derramada por muchos para el perdón de pecados.

¡He tallado a María, Madre de Jesús al pie de la Cruz en el momento de la Epifanía del Milagro de la Eucaristía!

La Madre María recibiendo el cuerpo y la sangre de Jesús, su hijo, en la forma de la Sagrada Eucaristía es, para mí, el cumplimiento de la Encarnación.

El uso original de la palabra Epifanía está asociado con la Revelación Divina en la visita de los Reyes Magos en el nacimiento de nuestro Señor, el niño Jesús en Belén. Esto significa que Dios vino a la Tierra en forma humana para “los gentiles y sus reyes y para el pueblo de Israel”. (Hechos 9:15)

Foto: John Betancourt

The Holy Family

Posted 28 December, 2023 by Vonn

“The Holy Family” is an illuminated high relief woodcarving in tropical cedar and mahogany measuring 42 by 44 inches.

(Scroll down for Spanish text)

It testifies to the revelations, dreams, miracles, and prophecy of the divine events leading up to and beyond the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. It is subtitled “The Faith of St. Joseph”, as it is in Faith that we hope and have our being in the triune God of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

"Holy Family" is a high relief wood sculpture by AVonnHartung for private collection — ***The Holy Family***

Like ancient Christian sacred art, whether found in the catacombs of Rome or icons from the 5th century, sacred Christian images are still made today as testimony to the Incarnation of God in our Lord Jesus Christ and the holiness of the saints in the history of Salvation.
“The Holy Family”, a wooden sculpture, represents Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in the temple environment of Luke chapter 2.

Central detail, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, of Holy Family wood sculpture by A.Vonn Hartung. — ***Jesus, Mary, Joseph***

Its composition is inspired by architectural elements, and its images and symbols are artistically constructed in Catholic churches, taken from the Sacred Liturgy, showing various miracles, revelations, and Prophecies from the Bible.

Mary’s awareness of who Jesus is, Jesus’ unity with his Father, and Joseph’s deep faith expressed through his closed eyes (John chapter 20 verse 29: “Blessed are those who have not seen and believed”), and with the lion and the lamb taken from the prophecy of Isaiah, chapter 11.

A panel from the wood carving "The Holy Family", Mary's direct encounter with the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation — ***The Annunciation***

Represented here is Mary’s direct encounter with the angel Gabriel at The Annunciation (Luke, chapter 1).

Jesus' first miracle, the Wedding at Cana, one of the carved panels in the wood sculpture "The Holy Family" by A.Vonn Hartung — ***Wedding at Cana***

Her understanding of Jesus’ divine power will be revealed in the first miracle at the wedding at Cana (John chapter 2).

The Gospel says little of St.Joseph. “It does not record even one word spoken by Joseph, the carpenter of Nazareth. And yet, even without words, he shows the depth of his faith, his greatness.” (Pope Saint John Paul II)

Joseph’s faith instead comes through dreams, first in the angelic council at the time of his marriage to Mary (Matthew chapter 1) and again in Bethlehem when the angel of the Lord warns him to flee to Egypt away from the murderous jealousy of King Herod (Matthew, chapter 2).

Depicted here is a scene (extra-biblical) that shows Jesus, as an adult and before beginning his ministry, in his family’s home and in their carpentry shop with the tools of his trade.

Sacred Christian Art is not achieved by the artist alone, but with the Holy Spirit and the believer who looks in contemplative prayer, beyond matter to transcendence.Some of this I know from my own interaction with works of Sacred Art and my personal prayerful struggle to bring the Word to life, to make visible what would otherwise remain as thought.

View the video “The Holy Family”

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“La Sagrada Familia” es una talla de madera en alto relieve iluminada en cedro tropical y caoba que mide 42 por 44 pulgadas.

Da testimonio de las revelaciones, sueños, milagros y profecías de los eventos divinos que condujeron a la encarnación de nuestro Señor y Salvador Cristo Jesús y más allá de ella. Se subtitula “La fe de San José”, porque es en la fe que esperamos y tenemos nuestro ser en el Dios trino del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo.

Al igual que el antiguo arte sacro cristiano, ya sea el encontrado en las catacumbas de Roma o en iconos del siglo V, las imágenes sagradas cristianas aún se elaboran hoy como testimonio de la Encarnación de Dios en nuestro Señor Jesucristo y de la santidad de los santos en la historia de la Salvación.
«La Sagrada Familia», una escultura de madera, representa a Jesús, María y José en el entorno del templo del capítulo 2 de Lucas.

Holy Family detail — ***Jesús, María, y José***

Su composición se inspira en elementos arquitectónicos, imágenes y símbolos construidos artísticamente en las iglesias católicas, tomados de la Sagrada Liturgia, que muestran diversos milagros, revelaciones y profecías de la Biblia.

La conciencia de María de quién es Jesús, la unidad de Jesús con su Padre y la profunda fe de José, expresada a través de sus ojos cerrados (Juan capítulo 20, versículo 29: «Bienaventurados los que no vieron y creyeron»), y con el león y el cordero tomados de la profecía de Isaías, capítulo 11.

Aquí se representa el encuentro directo de María con el ángel Gabriel en la Anunciación (Lucas, capítulo 1).

Su comprensión del poder divino de Jesús se revelará en el primer milagro en las bodas de Caná (Juan capítulo 2).

El Evangelio dice poco de San José. No se registra ni una sola palabra de José, el carpintero de Nazaret. Y, sin embargo, incluso sin palabras, muestra la profundidad de su fe, su grandeza. (Papa San Juan Pablo II)

La fe de José, en cambio, se manifiesta a través de sueños, primero en el concilio angélico en el momento de su matrimonio con María (Mateo, capítulo 1) y de nuevo en Belén, cuando el ángel del Señor le advierte que huya a Egipto para huir de los celos asesinos del rey Herodes (Mateo, capítulo 2).

Se representa aquí una escena (extrabíblica) que muestra a Jesús, ya adulto y antes de comenzar su ministerio, en la casa de su familia y en su taller de carpintería con las herramientas de su oficio.

El Arte Sacro Cristiano no lo logra solo el artista, sino con el Espíritu Santo y el creyente que mira en oración contemplativa, más allá de la materia hacia la trascendencia. Algo de esto lo sé por mi propia interacción con obras de Arte Sacro y mi lucha personal de oración para dar vida a la Palabra, para hacer visible lo que de otra manera permanecería como pensamiento.

Algunas Obras en Puerto Rico

Posted 5 January, 2023 by Vonn

Algunas Obras en Puerto Rico

de Arturo Vonn Hartung

Casa de Niños Manuel Fernández Juncos, Miramar

La Madre Dolorosa – escultura en madera, “itaúba”/Brazil (“pau lope”)

Aprox Tamaño Natural/ Encargado por Padre Julio V García 1991

Ha Resucitado! – escultura en madera “itaúba” Encargado por Padre Jorge Castillejo Lluisiá 1992

Parroquia San Francisco Javier, Urb Fairview, Cupey

En el Nombre del Padre… (San Francisco Javier Bautizando)

Retablo – pintura sobre madera, caoba

Aprox 6 x 11 pie/ Encargado por Padre Julio V García 2002

"Vivimos para esa noche" oil portrait of Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago by A.Vonn Hartung — “*Vivimos para esa Noche*“

Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago

Pintura al óleo sobre tela

Encargado por Padre Julio V García 2000

(Hay muchos “posters” de esta pintura a través de Puerto Rico)

Pontifical North American College, Vatican

Encargado por Mons Roberto González Nieves 2001

(Hay muchos “posters” de esta pintura a través de Puerto Rico)

Hermanas Misioneras del Buen Pastor, Caguas

El Buen Pastor – (La oveja extraviada) Lucas 15:4-7

Pintura sobre tela, 9 x 12 pie

(En el presbiterio de la capilla)

Encargado por Hermanas Misioneras del Buen Pastor 1985

Parroquia El Buen Pastor, Guaynabo (Apolo)

Yo soy el Buen Pastor (Mis ovejas conocen mi voz… Juan 10:27)

Pintura sobre madera, 4 x 8 pie

Encargado por Padre Jaime Vázquez Rojas 2003

Parroquia Santa Rosa de Lima, Guaynabo (Barrio Amelia)

Mural de la Fe (parte central de la pintura sobre pared de cemento,

aprox 29 x 65 pie)/ Encargado por Padre Julio V Garcia 1997

Via Crucis (14 pinturas sobre madera 4 x 8 pie cada una)

Encargado por Mons. Antonio “Tito” José Vázquez 2001

Parroquia Maria Auxiliadora, La Cantera, Hato Rey

La Misericordia de San Juan Bosco (pintura sobre madera, aprox 3 ½ x 8 pie)

5 pinturas más con tema de San Juan Bosco y Santo Domingo Savio

Encargado por Padre Nicolás “Colacho” Navarro SDB 2011

Colegio San Juan Bosco, La Cantera, Hato Rey

*Siempre Joven/Cristo con nosotros*
Encargado por Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB 2017

Parroquia San Juan Bautista, Orocovis (pueblo)

Mosaico Mural “La Vida y la Profecía de San Juan Bautista”

(500 pie cuadrada)/ Encargado por Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

2008

6 “Vitrales” en Santisima y Sacristía (pintura sobre Lexan)2005

1 Vitral tradicional en la Santísima

Capilla San Juan Bosco, Orocovis (Barrio Gato)

Mural en el presbiterio “El Sueño de las Columnas“

Pintura sobre pared de cemento (18 x 50 pie)

Encargado por Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB 2004

14 “vitrales” Estaciones de la Resurrección Via Lucis

2 “Vitrales” con tema del mural

2 “Vitrales” con tema de la Música

Encargado por Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB 2004

Catedral San Juan Bautista, Viejo San Juan

Via Lucis—14 Estaciones de la Resurrección 2015

(Las pinturas originales en la Catedral

prestadas a Mons. Roberto González Nieves 2018)

Reproducciones en—

Parroquia María Auxiliadora, Cantera (Padre Nicolás “Colacho” Navarro SDB

Parroquia San Ignacio de Loyola (Padre Lawrence Searles SJ)

Parroquia Santa Luisa de Marillac (Padre Tomás G. Gonzalez)

Parroquia Corazón de Jesús (Padre Phillip “Felipe” Nunez)

Capilla María Auxiliadora, Carolina (rural)

San José protector (estátua tallada en madera)

Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez (reprod de la pintura original)

Encargada por Padre Rafael de Jesús González Ayala CRL (2018)

Capilla Divino Niño Jesús, Orocovis (Botijas)

Jesús Resucitado

Maria Auxiliadora

Colección Privada (San Juan)

San Francisco de Asís

St. Ignatius of Loyola_ceramic sculpture high relief by AVonnHartung for private collection (Puerto Rico) — San Ignacio de Loyola

Carved Retablo with the 3 Saints

Eve and Adam—a pandemic carving

Posted 27 December, 2022 by Vonn

(Scroll down for Spanish text)

When the COVID-19 pandemic was announced in early March 2020, we were ordered to lockdown/ Quarantine.

As a professional woodcarver, and not knowing how long we would be quarantined, I realized I needed to do a woodcarving—carving has always acted as a grounding effect for me. And I knew it would need to be a carving that would speak to the Pandemic, but also that which I believe brought on the Pandemic—an imbalance in the mode in which we live with Nature, the destruction of the cosmos! Impending climate collapse!

The Question is, are we—the Human Species—continuing to cause this imbalance, and if so, can we correct it?

This Question is the essence of the message of the carving.

We see our modern-day Adam pondering this question, shown more as his temptation—recalling the original story of the Garden of Eden.

To answer this, the parable of The Garden of Eden and the forbidden fruit speaks to us here and now as we find ourselves in A Garden Moment.

Eve and Adam (closeup detail) A COVID-19 inspired woodcarving

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Español

Cuando se anunció la pandemia de COVID-19 a principios de marzo de 2020, se nos ordenó el confinamiento/ la cuarentena.

Como tallador de madera profesional, y sin saber cuánto tiempo estaríamos en cuarentena, me di cuenta de que necesitaba hacer un tallado en madera; tallar siempre ha actuado como un efecto de conexión a tierra para mí. Y sabía que tendría que ser una talla que hablara de la pandemia, pero también de aquello que creo que provocó la pandemia: un desequilibrio en el modo en que vivimos con la naturaleza, ¡la destrucción del cosmos! ¡El inminente colapso climático!

La pregunta es: ¿seguimos nosotros, la especie humana, causando este desequilibrio? Y, de ser así, ¿podemos corregirlo?

Esta pregunta es la esencia del mensaje de la talla.

Vemos a nuestro Adán moderno reflexionando sobre esta pregunta, mostrada más como su tentación, recordando la historia original del Jardín del Edén.

Para responder a esto, la parábola del Jardín del Edén y el fruto prohibido nos habla aquí y ahora mientras nos encontramos en Un Momento de Jardín.

Eve and Adam

“Our Garden Moment”

Time was we thought right from wrong,
was caused by what Adam did
for lack of judgment less than strong.

But since we left the Garden
we’ve wandered and we’ve strayed,
off the straight and narrow,
off the path we’ve paved.

Seems some still hold the feeling
that it should not be them to shame—
But that “surely it was the Other.”
So they invented Blame.

So they reject the garden story
along with forbidden trees.
They see no problem in doing anything
they “Damn Well Please!”

Now our Modern Adam
has quite a powerful Thrust.
Cause with nods from his Investors
it is “In Him they Trust”

So it’s come and so it goes
so many times around.
It’s made us all quite dizzy
and scrambled Sacred ground.

So now We stand-in with Eve and Adam,
but this time we’re ALL around,
looking up once again.
But knowing the Forbidden Fruit
still is mostly underground.

But now the truth stands out for us,
for all of us to see,
where once were lies, it’s clear,
spoken in whispers, OH so low,
whispered in one man’s ear.

So with Eve we tremble,
as our new Adam eyes what may be reason,
for the last time that we Fall.
And again mistakes
in thinking of no consequence
if he listens to The Snake.

Our Eve cries out “Listen to us Mothers
and Will-be Mothers, for little time is left.
Hear our voice, it is our choice
to birth and bear our kin.
Who if worthy of Us,
will do for those who follow,
what WE now do for Them.”

For it was before, we little thought
beyond our children and theirs.
Now we must “In God we Trust”
be the bridge for all our children’s
future tomorrows…

A.VonnHartung 2022

View the video—

Ecologist Nick Brokaw introduces Vonn and his pandemic woodcarving, Eve and Adam

Algunas Obras en Puerto Rico

Posted 6 September, 2021 by Vonn

Algunas Obras en Puerto Rico

de Arturo Vonn Hartung

Casa de Niños Manuel Fernández Juncos, Miramar

La Madre Dolorosa – escultura en madera, “itaúba”/Brazil (“pau lope”)

Aprox Tamaño Natural/ Encargado por Padre Julio V García 1991

Parroquia San Francisco Javier, Urb Fairview, Cupey

En el Nombre del Padre… (San Francisco Javier Bautizando)

Retablo – pintura sobre madera, caoba

Aprox 6 x 11 pie/ Encargado por Padre Julio V García 2002

Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago

Pintura al óleo sobre tela

Encargado por Padre Julio V García 2000

(Hay muchos “posters” de esta pintura a través de Puerto Rico)

Pontifical North American College, Vatican

Encargado por Mons Roberto González Nieves 2001

(Hay muchos “posters” de esta pintura a través de Puerto Rico)

Hermanas Misioneras del Buen Pastor, Caguas

El Buen Pastor – (La oveja extraviada) Lucas 15:4-7

Pintura sobre tela, 9 x 12 pie

(En el presbiterio de la capilla)

Encargado por Hermanas Misioneras del Buen Pastor 1985

Parroquia El Buen Pastor, Guaynabo (Apolo)

Yo soy el Buen Pastor (Mis ovejas conocen mi voz… Juan 10:27)

Pintura sobre madera, 4 x 8 pie

Encargado por Padre Jaime Vázquez Rojas 2003

Parroquia Santa Rosa de Lima, Guaynabo (Barrio Amelia)

Mural de la Fe (parte central de la pintura sobre pared de cemento,

aprox 29 x 65 pie)/ Encargado por Padre Julio V Garcia 1997

Via Crucis (14 pinturas sobre madera 4 x 8 pie cada una)

Encargado por Mons. Antonio “Tito” José Vázquez 2001

Parroquia Maria Auxiliadora, La Cantera, Hato Rey

La Misericordia de San Juan Bosco (pintura sobre madera, aprox 3 ½ x 8 pie)

5 pinturas más con tema de San Juan Bosco y Santo Domingo Savio

Encargado por Padre Nicolás “Colacho” Navarro SDB 2011

Colegio San Juan Bosco, La Cantera, Hato Rey

Parroquia San Juan Bautista, Orocovis (pueblo)

Mosaico Mural “La Vida y la Profecía de San Juan Bautista”

(500 pie cuadrada)/ Encargado por Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB

2008

6 “Vitrales” en Santisima y Sacristía (pintura sobre Lexan)2005

1 Vitral tradicional en la Santísima

Capilla San Juan Bosco, Orocovis (Barrio Gato)

Mural en el presbiterio “El Sueño de las Columnas“

Pintura sobre pared de cemento (18 x 50 pie)

Encargado por Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB 2004

14 “vitrales” Estaciones de la Resurrección Via Lucis

2 “Vitrales” con tema del mural

2 “Vitrales” con tema de la Música

Encargado por Padre Jorge Santiago Cartagena SDB 2004

Catedral San Juan Bautista, Viejo San Juan

Via Lucis—14 Estaciones de la Resurrección 2015

(Las pinturas originales en la Catedral

prestadas a Mons. Roberto González Nieves 2018)

Reproducciones en—

Parroquia María Auxiliadora, Cantera (Padre Nicolás “Colacho” Navarro SDB

Parroquia San Ignacio de Loyola (Padre Lawrence Searles SJ)

Parroquia Santa Luisa de Marillac (Padre Tomás G. Gonzalez)

Parroquia Corazón de Jesús (Padre Phillip “Felipe” Nunez)

Capilla María Auxiliadora, Carolina (rural)

San José protector (estátua tallada en madera)

Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez (reprod de la pintura original)

Encargada por Padre Rafael de Jesús González Ayala CRL (2018)

Capilla Divino Niño Jesús, Orocovis (Botijas)

Pintura de San Jose con el niño Jesus en su taller, una obra en Orocovis, Puerto Rico por Arturo Vonn Hartung — San José con el Niño Jesús

Jesús Resucitado

Maria Auxiliadora

Colección Privada (San Juan)

San Francisco de Asís

Carved Retablo with the 3 Saints