[St. Benedict the African. (1526 - 1589)] 1843 Mexican Retablo Painting of St. Benedict of Palermo, "Black America’s Patron Saint"Oil on tin retablo painting depicting San Benito de Palermo, also known as "the Holy Black", who is the patron Saint of Negro Slaves in America and the Saint invoked against smallpox. He is shown here in his blue Franciscan robes, standing beside a table that holds a skull and a scourge, also shown with his saintly attributes: the flaming sacred heart on his chest and a large crucifix. The piece is signed "B. J. Mexico Marzo 10 de 1843" on the floor