Novo-Hispanic school. Mexico. 17th Century.

Novo-Hispanic school. Mexico. 17th Century. 'San Lorenzo'. Oil on canvas. Re-streched. 121 x 130 cm. The saint is standing, wearing a white alb and a marvelous red chasuble embroidered in gold. In his right hand he carries the martyr's palm and rests his left hand on a large grill, his personal attribute and symbol of his martyrdom. A painting comparable to the one we present here is the San Lorenzo preserved in the Museo Regional Michoacano Dr. Nicolás León Calderón in Morelia, Mexico. Saint Lawrence was a Spanish deacon who lived in the 3rd century and was martyred during the persecution of Valerian in 258. He is depicted wearing the ornaments of a deacon and holding a grill, which is his attribute, as he was roasted on it. In addition, he is sometimes shown carrying a chalice with gold coins or a bag of money, symbols of his role as treasurer. There are depictions of St. Lawrence from the 4th century, and the theme of his martyrdom is found in 5th century mosaics in the mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna. The altarpieces dedicated to him show different scenes, such as his consecration as a deacon, the giving of the treasures of the Church to help the poor, his appearance before Valerian and, finally, his martyrdom on the gridiron. It is common to see images of St. Lawrence next to the other two martyred deacons, St. Stephen and St. Vincent, each with their corresponding attributes.