The Redeemer

The representations that depict Christ and his life are the most important for Christianity. However, these were not the most common in New Granada. 

This reform, strongly supported by his confessor, the Jesuit Luis de la Puente (1554-1624), made it possible to spread a new way of understanding the figure of Christ, in which his role as savior of the world was emphasized. 

Marina de Escobar had numerous mystical experiences. One of the most important being the appearance of Christ before her.  

The stories indicate that it was thanks to the mystical love that the nun experienced that she was able to perceive the true appearance of Jesus. 

In the painting, which is modeled after an engraving by the Flemish Hieronymus Wierix (1553-1619), the figure of Christ is represented dressed in a gray tunic and mantle, standing, facing forward and with his hands crossed.

Surrounding the head of the Redeemer is a halo of light and several seraphim, whose presence evidences the divine character of Christ.  

The figure of Jesus, in this iconography, is interpreted as the sum of masculine beauty: his face reflects inner wealth.  

As is usual in this iconography, on the sides of Jesus, there are two angels dressed in alb and stole. They both cross their arms over their chests.  

Marina de Escobar’s vision had a wide reception in the Hispanic world. She and her mystical experiences became exemplary models for religious women.