Bundeena artist Jaiwei Shen has presented his first official portrait of Pope Francis to His Holiness in Vatican City.
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The 12-month project began when Shen met the board chair of Hazelhurst Gallery at Gymea, Byron Hurst, and Australian ambassador to the Holy See, John McCarthy.
Shen commissioned the portrait after Pope Francis gave permission.
The artist showcased his masterpiece on Monday, April 28, at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City.
Former archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, was at the presentation which included a thanksgiving Mass and a special reception for Shen.
The self-taught and award-winning Bundeena artist was born in Shanghai, China.
As an acclaimed historical painter, Shen’s artworks have been displayed around over the world including at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
The portrait was framed by Sutherland Shire business, Art and Mirror Framing and Fine Arts, and was taken to Italy by Hazelhurst Gallery sponsor Terry Fahey of Globalised Specialised Services.
The portrait of Pope Francis was presented amid great excitement this week as Popes John XXIII and John Paul II were made saints in a historic double canonisation ceremony at Vatican City attended by up to 1 million faithful Catholics.
