Spanish school of the XVIII century. Lot n° 21

Spanish school of the XVIII century. "Imposition of the chasuble to San Ildefonso". Oil on canvas. Back frame simulating antique. Measurements: 84 x 65 cm; 106 x 87.5 cm (frame). Saint Ildefonso of Toledo (Toledo, 607-667), son of Visigoth parents and nephew of Saint Eugenio III, was archbishop of Toledo between 657 and 667, and is one of the Fathers of the Church. He studied in Seville under the tutelage of St. Isidore, and entered the order of St. Benedict fleeing from his parents, nobles who were opposed to his priestly life. He would later be elected abbot of Agalia, near Toledo, and finally archbishop. St. Ildefonso unified the liturgy in Spain, and wrote numerous liturgical and dogmatic works, particularly on the Virgin Mary. The best known passage of his biography is the miracle of his encounter with the Virgin Mary. On the night of December 18, 665, St. Ildefonso went to the church to sing hymns in honor of Mary, accompanied by his clerics and some other people. However, when they entered, they found the chapel shining with such a dazzling light that they were afraid. All fled except Ildefonso and his two deacons, who entered and approached the altar. Before them stood the Virgin Mary, seated on the bishop's chair, surrounded by a company of virgins singing heavenly songs. Mary beckoned the saint to approach and, having obeyed, she fixed her eyes upon him and said, "You are my chaplain and faithful notary. Receive this chasuble which my Son sends you from his treasury." Having said this, Our Lady herself invested him, instructing him to wear the chasuble only on the feast days designated in her honor.