"El Padre" depicts San Carlos (Saint Charles) Borromeo, a 16th century archbishop of Milan. Saint Charles was a patron of learning and the arts. He was loved as a benevolent churchman and was widely known for his service and deep compassion for the poor. The City and County of St. Charles, Missouri, are named after San Carlos Borromeo, thereby honoring his reputation.

The larger than lifesize "San Carlos Borromeo" Monument stands on the grounds of Missouri's first State Capitol (now the Executive Building for the County of St. Charles) near the city's historic Main Street.