Saint Peter of Alcántara

Peter of Alcántara lived in the 16th century and was fundamental in the reforms made within his order in that century. In addition, he was a spiritual advisor to Saint Teresa of Avila, a Spanish mystic of great importance in the religiosity of the 16th and 17th centuries. 

In the loose brown robe he wears, we recognize the Franciscan habit, order to which he belonged. A cord with three knots, alluding to the vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity proper to the order, complete the attire. Next to him there is a crucifix, one of his attributes. 

In this canvas, we see Peter writing his Treatise on Prayer and Meditation, a text that exposes the principles on which he believed religious life should be based. Thus, he decided to found the branch of Franciscans of “strict observance”. 

Portrayed with an extremely thin face with marked cheekbones, he directs his gaze to the Holy Spirit who, in the form of a dove, accompanies him from above. Its presence demonstrates the illumination that the saint received from heaven. 

Surrounding the saint are angels and cherubim, heaven messengers that witness the scene. One of them carries in his hands a bouquet of lilies, symbol of purity. Another one, a wreath of flowers directed towards the head of Saint Peter as a sign of his victory. 

On the left, we see one of the attributes with which Peter of Alcántara is usually represented: the skull, which rests on a table. On the other side, there is a vase with white roses and lilies, symbols of love and pure spirituality. 

In the former Clarian church, this work is aligned with other images of Franciscans. As a feminine extension of this order, the pieces sought to recall the pillars under which it had been founded. In this case, Saint Peter promotes the abandonment of the mundane.