Mexican New Spanish School Artist, Saint John of Nepomucene, 18th Century, Oil on Canvas

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New Spanish School. Mexico. 18th Century. "Saint John of Nepomucene" Oil on canvas. Relined. 92 x 67.5 cm. Our painting … Read more New Spanish School. Mexico. 18th Century. "Saint John of Nepomucene" Oil on canvas. Relined. 92 x 67.5 cm. Our painting presents a fascinating iconography depicting Saint John of Nepomucene entering into glory. Saint John of Nepomucene, a Bohemian priest and vicar general of the diocese of Prague, was martyred in 1393 for upholding the seal of confession. He was thrown into the river from the Charles Bridge in Prague by King Wenceslaus IV, who was attempting to seize Church property. He was martyred by having his tongue cut out for refusing to reveal the Queen's sins to the King, who demanded to know them and, because of his silence, had him killed. He is the patron saint of confessors, who are bound to keep silent. The scene depicts Saint John of Nepomucene ascending to glory, bearing five stars in his halo, as legend says they were seen around his head when his body was recovered from the river. In the background, the scene of his death unfolds, showing the bridge, the soldiers who threw him into the river from it, and the saint in the water. See less