Spanish or Italian school; 18th century. "Saint John of Nepomuk". Oil on canvas. Re-tinted. It presents repainting. Measurements: 77 x 64 cm. Saint of Czech origin, he acquires great devotion and roots from the 17th century. He will arrive to the Spanish overseas colonies by the hand of the Jesuits during the 18th century. He is depicted as the exemplary priest, sometimes as a Mexican canon: cassock, ermine cloak and bonnet as he is the patron saint of confessors. In his hands, he holds the palm (an attribute common to all martyrs) and the cross; the five stars are related to the stories of his martyrdom, under a starry night. The ermine cloak, in turn, indicates the choice of martyrdom rather than impurity; the four colours (white, red, green and blue) symbolise the four faculties that gave him the distinction of doctor of the Church: philosophy, ecclesiastical law, universal/civil law and theology. Other attributes are the water lily, as he died from drowning; the anchor, as the patron saint of drowning; and the chain or padlock on his lips for having refused to betray the secret of confession. The most common of these is the uncorrupted tongue, cut or torn out. Sometimes the fingers (the index finger) are placed on the lips, as a testimony of silence. The chapters of canons have Saint John Nepomuk as their patron saint and celebrate his feast day, as he is also the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Mexico. Dimensions 77 x 64 cm.