Defense of Doctoral Thesis at the Javeriana University by Don Antonio Moreno y Escandón

When the first universities were founded in Europe during the 12th century, the idea of ​​depicting thesis defenses of those who studied there emerged. An iconographic formula was developed to commemorate and recognize the merits of the graduates.

This portrait was painted when Francisco Antonio Moreno y Escandón earned his degree in Theology, Canon Law, and Civil Law from the Javeriana University in 1754. Following his dissertation defense, the graduate commissioned this work from the painter Joaquín Gutiérrez.

In it, Moreno y Escandón is depicted wearing a black toga and a red stole, a color that indicates that he belonged to Javeriana University. 

In front of the graduate and at the center of the artwork, we see a cartouche that briefly describes his thesis. 

In these types of images, the devotions of the student, whether a saint or doctor of the Church, are related. Here we see Saint Teresa of Ávila in the upper part of the painting. 

The 16th century Spanish mystic, theologian, and commentator on moral texts, is considered here a model for Moreno’s defense, illuminating him in her theological dissertations. For this reason, she is depicted with a pen in hand, in front of an open book. 

Alongside earning his degree, Moreno y Escandón held important positions in the Royal Court of Santafé including notary, lawyer, and prosecutor. 

He also served as prosecutor of the Court of Lima, and regent of the Court of Santiago de Chile, where he died at the end of the 18th century. 

Today, Moreno y Escandón is remembered for implementing the Pragmatic Sanction of 1767 in New Granada, which established the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spanish territories. Following this, an educational reform based on scientific knowledge rather than theology was promoted.