Spanish school; 17th century.
"Saint Diego José de Cadiz".
Oil on pine panel.
There is an opening in the panel.
It shows marks of humidity and faults.
Measurements: 81 x 56 x 4,5 cm.
This painting is one of the copies of the picture painted by Francisco de Goya commissioned by the Capuchins of Cadiz between 1802 and 1805. Its author is probably one of these monks, as the signature of Fr. Lorenzo de Aljofrin Capuchin appears on the back of the canvas.
In this painting Diego José de Cádiz is depicted wearing a brown stole habit with a knotted rope. He is portrayed with the long beard characteristic of this order and holds a crucifix with the figure of Jesus in his hands, as in Goya's original. However, this interpretation has attributes in the upper corners that do not appear in the original, such as a cap with coloured ribbons and three orange suns. The artistic expression is limited to softened lines and fine brushstrokes, clearly differentiating it from the painterly style of the author of the original. Diego José de Cádiz of the Capuchin Order, who lived from 1743 to 1801 and was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1894. He was considered an apostle of mercy and was a celebrated orator preaching in several Spanish cities. On the lower part of the canvas there is an inscription about the sitter's name, his virtues and the date and place of his death.