The People

Afro-Nicaraguan —Percent Christian: 96%, Percent Evangelical: 43.05%, Evangelical growth rate: 5.5%

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Nicaragua has a multiethnic population of about seven million. The largest ethic group is Nicaraguan Mestizo and the second largest group is Afro-Nicaraguan, but there are 16 smaller people groups including Arabs and Han Chinese, who have a much smaller percentage of Evangelical Christians.

The Painting

Oil on canvas, 28 x 22 inches

Desiderio portrays a young man named Desi, who lives in the U.S. and whose parents are both from Nicaragua. Desiderio is a Spanish, Italian and Portuguese name which means “yearning,” “sorrow” and “desire.” Desiderio is a name early Christians used to express their longing for God. Desiderio was painted from life at the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia.