Saint Nicholas of Bari

Saint Nicholas of Bari was a saint who was very popular in Europe. Despite this, in America, it did not have the same reception, so in this territory, we find few works that represent him.

Following his iconography, he is represented dressing as a pontifical: on the white alb, he carries a chasuble and a canopy, while with his right hand, he holds a staff. On the other hand, he has a book, a symbol of the missal that was given to him by Jesus.

A miter rests on the table to the left of the image, a fundamental element that reflects his work as a pontiff. 

The most famous event of his life, depicted in this painting, occurred when, in times of famine, he revived three children who had been murdered to give them as food at an inn.  

Thus, on the right side of the image, we can see a barrel from which three naked children emerge. One of them raises his right hand upward, making evident divine intercession in this miracle. 

Rays of golden light surround the head of Saint Nicholas, these being a symbol of his holy character. 

According to another episode of his life, Saint Nicholas saved some women who were going to be sold as prostitutes by his father, to whom he secretly gave three bags of gold necessary to prevent the said sale.

Due to this fact and the scene represented in this painting, the saint began to be related to gifts and children. 

In the countries of central Europe, the legend arose of old Saint Nicholas who, at Christmas time, dressed in his red and white bishop’s suit, brought gifts to children. Later, this saint was associated with the Christmas tradition and