Saint Dominic of Guzmán

Saint Dominic de Guzmán was born in 1170 in Caleruega, Spain. At an early age he decided to leave home to devote himself to study. Later, in 1194, he was ordained priest. 

From these foundations, the Order of Preachers, commonly known as Dominican, was approved by Pope Innocent III in 1215. Dominican activities began in France, Spain, and Italy and soon spread throughout Europe. 

The Dominicans played a crucial role in the evangelization efforts carried out in colonial America.  Saint Dominic became one of the most venerated and depicted saints in American territory. 

Its iconography was established since the 16th century. In this image, according to the pre-established model, Dominic is depicted as a middle-aged man with a short beard and a tonsure. 

Here, the saint appears with a white habit and a black cloak, the traditional garments of the Order of Preachers. 

On his neck he wears a black rosary, a feature widely spread by the Dominicans. The rosary is used to recount a sequence of traditional Catholic prayers that seek to honor the Virgin Mary. 

In his left hand, Saint Dominic of Guzmán holds a tall staff. In some cases, this object accompanied the Dominican shield, which in this case the artist chose not to include. 

With his right hand, the saint holds a bouquet of lilies, a symbol of purity, and a book, which refers to his role as the founder of the Order of Preachers. 

On his forehead there is a star, a mark that, according to legend, appeared because of a blow that the saint gave himself against the font while being baptized.