Spanish school; 17th century.

Spanish school; 17th century.
"The miracle of Santo Domingo in Soriano".
Oil on canvas.
It has a frame of the nineteenth century.
Measurements: 124 x 90 cm; 132 x 98 cm (frame).
This work closely follows the paintings of the same subject made by Juan Bautista Maíno, a composition of which three autograph versions and numerous copies are known. Specifically, it follows almost literally the version currently preserved in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, painted by the master from Alcarria around 1630, a century after the miracle depicted. These three works, two of them in private collections, are cited by Pérez Sánchez in his book "Pintura madrileña del primer tercio del siglo XVII", p. 315.
The image narrates the miracle that took place in the Italian town of Soriano on the night of September 15, 1530. A pious and austere Dominican, named Fray Vicente, had arrived in the city to found a convent, which he managed to build with the help of Divine Providence. Thus, a small community of Dominican friars was established in Soriano, which lived almost ignored, a situation that changed drastically in 1530. On the aforementioned date, the Virgin appeared to the brother sacristan of the monastery, friar Lorenzo da Grottaria, and gave him a cloth with the representation of St. Dominic. Together with Mary, Mary Magdalene and St. Catherine of Alexandria also appeared, as patrons of the Order of St. Dominic. The painting given by Mary and the two saints was placed in the church of the convent, attracting since then numerous pilgrims and giving renown to the hitherto unknown convent, which will be known as Santo Domingo de Soriano. Considered a miraculous image, it has since enjoyed great veneration and devotion.