Spanish or Novo-Hispanic school; 18th century.

Spanish or novo-Hispanic school; XVIII century.
"San Juan Nepomuceno".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 92 x 67 cm; 101 x 77 cm (frame).
In this painting of the XVIII century, San Juan Nepomuceno is represented with the solemnity of a martyr and the dignity of a saint. He is in a serene but imposing space, illuminated by a soft light that highlights the folds of his garment and the expression of his face. The cloak that envelops him, rich and heavy, with a red lining and fur exterior, falls in soft undulations, a symbol of his ecclesiastical rank and the nobility of his spirit. The gesture of his right hand, delicately resting on his chest, speaks of his unwavering commitment to the faith. With his left hand he rests gently next to an open book, perhaps the Holy Scriptures, symbol of divine knowledge and the word that he defended so much. The halo that crowns his head is not a simple glow, but a constellation of five bright stars, a detail that refers us to the legend: when his body was thrown into the Vltava River, five lights appeared above the waters.
In the background, barely visible in the gloom, a tragic scene contrasts with the calm of the saint. One can see the representation of his death: agitated and violent figures throw a man into the river from a bridge, a symbol of human brutality and incomprehension in the face of his fidelity to the secret of confession. In the lower right corner, the saint's name, "S. IOANNES NEPOMUCENVS".
A saint of Czech origin, he acquired great devotion and roots in the 17th century. He arrived in the Spanish overseas colonies by the hand of the Jesuits during the 18th century. He is represented as the exemplary priest, sometimes as a Mexican canon: cassock, ermine cape and hood as he is the patron saint of confessors. In his hands, he holds the palm (an attribute common to all martyrs) and the cross; the five stars are related to the stories of his martyrdom, under a starry night. The ermine cloak, in turn, indicates the choice of martyrdom rather than impurity; the four colors (white, red, green and blue) symbolize the four faculties that gave him the distinction of doctor of the Church: philosophy, ecclesiastical law, universal/civil law and theology.
Other attributes are the water lily, because he died from drowning; the anchor, as patron of drowning; chain or padlock on the lips for having refused to betray the secret of confession. The most common of these is the uncorrupted tongue, cut or torn out. Sometimes the fingers (the index finger) are placed on the lips, as a testimony of silence. The chapters of canons have San Juan Nepomuceno as patron and celebrate his feast, since he is also patron of the Archdiocese of Mexico.