Novohispanic School. Mexico. 18th century.

Novohispanic School. Mexico. 18th century. "Saint John of Nepomuk" Oil on canvas. Relined. 92 x 67,5 cm. The painting shows us some very interesting iconography depictedin this scene of St. John of Nepomuk entering into glory. 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 King Wenceslas IV 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. The scene presents St. John of Nepomuk ascending to glory wearing five stars in his halo, as legend has it that they were seen around his head when his corpse was rescued from the river. In the background, the scene of his death can be seen, in which we find the bridge, and the soldiers who threw him from it into the river, and the saint in the waters.