Spanish school of the XVIII century.

Spanish school of the XVIII century.
"Saint Felix Cantalicio".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 82 x 60 cm; 93 x 70 cm (frame).
In this work there are three main figures diagonally crossing the scene; San Felix is located in the foreground kneeling holding in his arms the Child Jesus with his gaze on him. The Virgin is in the upper left corner emerging from the clouds, with her arms outstretched towards the Child and St. Felix. Light emerges from the upper left, a celestial irradiation that frames the figure of the Virgin and reaches the Child and the Saint, also illuminated, creating a diagonal composition very typical of the Baroque that leaves a dark background and a richly illuminated basket of bread.
Saint Felix was the first saint of the Capuchin order. As the saint was illiterate and could not read, he used to say that he studied only six letters: five red and one white, and that these were enough to be learned in the science of the saints. The five red letters signified the five wounds and the passion of Jesus Christ, which was the common theme of his meditations.