Viceregal School. Peru. 18th century.

Viceregal School. Peru. 18th century. 'The Holy Trinity crowning the Virgin Mary' Oil on canvas. 159 x 122 cm. This work reflects a sequence within the cycle of the Virgin Mary's life found in the Book of Revelation. Three identical figures, the Holy Trinity, three in one with the papal mitre, crown the Virgin Mary. In this way, Mary can be interpreted as a Trinitarian figure: like the Son, as a virgin, by receiving and allowing herself to be loved by the Father; like the Father, as the source of life-giving love, in her role as mother; like the Holy Spirit, as a spouse, as the bond of love between Father and Son and the opening to the mystery of God on earth. The Virgin as the Immaculate Mary is receivedinto the heavens, in a sea of clouds, and is contemplated by Saint Didacus of Alcala, a Franciscan, depicted with the miracle of the roses, and Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, an Augustinian, with his attributes - the stars on his habit and partridges on a small plate.