Saint Dominic of Guzmán

Do you know the iconography of Saint Dominic of Guzmán? Join us and discover all the details.

By Colonial Museum

Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos (attributed)

Saint Dominic de Guzmán by Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y CeballosColonial Museum

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. 

Saint Dominic founded a convent for nuns in the French city of Prouille and a house for friars in Toulouse. 

Saint Dominic de Guzmán by Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y CeballosColonial Museum

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. 

Saint Dominic de Guzmán by Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y CeballosColonial Museum

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. 

Saint Dominic de Guzmán by Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y CeballosColonial Museum

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. 

Saint Dominic de Guzmán by Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y CeballosColonial Museum

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. 


Saint Dominic of Guzmán 

Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos (attributed) 

Oil on canvas 

150 x 108 cm 

17th century 

Credits: Story

Créditos 

MUSEOS COLONIAL Y SANTA CLARA 

 

Dirección / Museum Director 

María Constanza Toquica Clavijo 

 

Curaduría / Curation 

Anamaría Torres Rodríguez 

María Isabel Téllez Colmenares 

 

Administración de colecciones / Collection Management 

Paula Ximena Guzmán López 

 

Editorial / Editorial 

Tanit Barragán Montilla 

 

Divulgación y prensa / Communications 

Jhonatan Chinchilla Pérez 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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