Spanish school, XVIII century.

Spanish School, XVIII century.
"Saint Dominic of Guzman".
Carved and polychrome wood.
It has repainting and faults (in wood and polychrome).
Measurements: 97 x 40 x 40 cm.

Saint Dominic appears here represented in round bulk. The habit has been draped with verist will. It consists of tunic and long mantle. The head of the saint presents a monastic tonsure and a lively and kind expression illuminates his countenance. In one hand he holds the open Scriptures and takes a cross in his right hand. Saint Dominic de Guzman, born in Castile in 1170, was the founder of the Order of Preachers, better known as Dominicans. During his childhood he received a careful moral and cultural formation, finally awakening his vocation towards the ecclesiastical state. After studying humanities, theology and philosophy in Palencia, where he was also a professor, he was ordained a priest, and was finally named ambassador extraordinary by King Alfonso VIII of Castile. After obtaining in 1216 the authorization to found his order, he devoted his last years to its organization and to several missionary journeys to France and Italy. Legend, however, has added much to his biography. Numerous miracles were also attributed to the saint during his preaching, especially the resurrection of a young man who died from a fall from a horse and the rescue of pilgrims who were going to drown while trying to cross the Garonne to Santiago de Compostela.