San Domenico

In this work that dates to the 19th century, the Saint is seen communicating with the crucifix, gently touching a lily, symbol of purity. According to the Dominican tradition the star is a symbol of predestination and is also a personal sign of Saint Dominic: indeed the story goes that on the day of his baptism his mother saw a star appear on his forehead. The star also plays a role in the Dominican vocation because it not only indicates the ability to direct one’s life towards Christ, but also the order’s mission, the ability to direct others, through words and the examples set by one’s life.
The painting we are looking at was evidently created to be worshipped, and this explains the neatness of the images and the composed posture of the protagonist. The image of Dominic de Guzmán thus becomes the symbol of certain faith, together with the intense desire to mentally contemplate the mystery of God. And so, symbolizing the harmony between reason and faith, the features of the Saint continue to be passed on through time.