Spanish school of the 18th century. "Saint Francis... Lot 11

Spanish school of the 18th century. "Saint Francis Xavier". Oil on panel in oval format with incorporated frame. Upper and lower carving of the frame from the 18th century. It presents some faults in the frame and in the upper and lower carvings. Measurements: 39 x 47 cm (painting); 94 x 70 cm (frame). The oval composition has San Francisco Javier as the main axis, on which the divine light falls and also on him the arms of the natives converge. The saint's cloths are fluttering, wrapped in a breeze that accentuates the theatricality of his evangelising gesture. The caravel helps to connote the salvific moment: the arrival of the evangelising settlers in ungodly lands. Although Francis Xavier travelled through Asian countries, he is often depicted in an American context, as in this painting. Stylistically, it is fully in keeping with the Baroque style: contrasting lighting, a break in glory, compositional dynamism, expressiveness of countenance, rich gestural drama. Saint Francis Xavier (Castillo de Javier, 1506 - Sanchón, China, 1552), a priest, religious and missionary of the Society of Jesus who was noted for his journeys to India and East Asia. He is depicted in one of the missions he undertook, although the figures are not dressed in the Chinese fashion but are characterised more as American Indians, in keeping with the painter's idea (and that of the period) of an exotic appearance and the examples he knew of "pagan" people.