Spanish school; 17th century.
"Saint Nicholas of Tolentino".
Carved and polychrome wood.
Measurements: 101 x 45 cm.
Upright on a sober pedestal stands the figure of a saint of the Augustinian order. The sun on his chest identifies him as Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. The work is notable for its careful anatomy with fine, delicate features that slightly exceed the proportions of the classical canon. Furthermore, his face, where the great technical quality of the artist can be appreciated, avoids idealisation in favour of a more naturalistic finish that gives the character veracity and identity, a resource that was common in the Baroque period whose purpose was to bring the life of saints and martyrs closer to the faithful in an everyday and natural way. The tunic, with its gold details in the borders, gives the figure a great sobriety, which acquires dynamism through the folds of the fabric caused by the belt.
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino (Italy, 1245-1305) was a priest, Catholic mystic and the first saint of the Order of Saint Augustine. He entered the Order of Augustinian Hermits in 1456, was ordained a priest in 1269, and then devoted his life to the apostolate in Tolentino, spending most of his time caring for the sick and needy, as well as meditation and prayer, leading an ascetic life. He is considered the protector of the souls in Purgatory and intercessor for justice, motherhood, childhood and health. As for his iconography, this saint is usually depicted with a star shining on his chest, alluding to the legend according to which the saint went to church at night guided by a star. The star-studded habit is related to the number of souls in Purgatory that the saint freed with his fervent supplications and prayers.