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Novohispanic School. Mexico. 18th century.
95
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Novohispanic School. Mexico. 18th century.
Estimate €5,000 - €7,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Novohispanic School. Mexico. 18th century.
'Saint John of Nepomuk'
Oil on copper.
61 x 50 cm.
Saint John of Nepomuk, Bohemian priest, vicar general of the diocese of Prague. He was martyred in the year 1393, for the secret of confession, being thrown into the river from the Charles Bridge by Wenceslas IV, King of Bohemia, who tried to seize the goods of the Church. He was killed, also having his tongue cut out, for not revealing the sins of the Queen to the King, who wanted to hear them, being killed for his silence. Patron saint of confessors, who must keep silent.
He was canonised by Benedict XIII on 19 March 1729. The process of canonisation was carried out quickly, above all at the request of the Society of Jesus, who, in search of a patron saint, made this devotion their own due to the series of attacks and persecutions they were undergoing. It was Pope Clement XIII who approved the patronage to alleviate the plight of the Jesuits and this saint would be invoked to protect the ‘good name’ of the Society. Another important reason that popularised the worship of this saint was the fact that he was considered a martyr for the secrecy of confession.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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