Visión de San Felipe Benicio (1856) by Consuelo PeraltaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
This work depicts a vision that San Felipe Benicio (St. Philip Benizi) had on April 6th, 1254; a vision in which the Blessed Virgin appeared before him while in the throes of ecstasy and showed him the black habit of the Servite Order; a catholic order of which he is considered one of the seven founders.
San Felipe, a former doctor and a firm believer in science, converted to Christianity after having this vision.
With his right hand...
...he guides the viewer's gaze towards the earthly ties he has chosen to renounce, essentially, his power and lineage.
This work stands out among a vast number of representations of religious iconography due to the use of color and the atmosphere that the artist has so masterfully set in place.
The open heavens above San Felipe...
...and the use of clouds highlight the mysticism of the event that the artist has chosen to paint.
