Spanish School of the XVIII century. Lot n° 9

Spanish School of the XVIII century. "San Diego". Oil on canvas. Measurements: 92 x 67 cm; 112 x 85 cm (frame). Needs restoration. In the center of the composition is represented San Diego dressed in Franciscan vestments and with a crucifix, one of his attributes, in his left hand. The background is dark, although in the upper right corner a possible sky or landscape can be seen. The color palette highlights browns and ochers, enhanced by the possible oxidation of the varnishes. Fray Diego de San Nicolás, O.F.M., known as San Diego de Alcalá, was a Spanish Franciscan friar considered a saint by the Catholic Church. He was known for his humility, charity, miracles, penance and contemplation. He wore the Franciscan habit as a lay brother in the Order of Friars Minor of the Observance. He was a missionary in the Canary Islands, where he became the guardian of the convent. His miracle was the healing of a child who had fallen asleep inside an oven, which, when ignited, caused serious burns, but with the intervention of the saint the little boy recovered without burns. San Diego used to attribute miracles to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was canonized by Pope Sixtus V in 1588 in the first canonization performed by the Catholic Church after the creation of the Sacred Congregation of Rites. He is considered the patron saint of the Franciscan lay brothers (non-clerics) because he was the first lay brother canonized in the Order. His celebration takes place on November 13.