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Lot Essay
This work probably dates from the period of the Spanish Hapsburg rule. A similar devotional icon of St. Lawrence is in the collection of the Embassy of Peru in Washington, D.C. The third-century martyr whose feast day is August 10, was a favorite Saint of the sixteenth-century monarchs Charles V and Philip II of Spain. The latter, in fact, dedicated his Palace-Monastery of the Escorial to St. Lawrence, one of the seven deacons of Rome.
In the Cuzqueño painting, the Saint is attired as a deacon, and the 'Brocateado' (application of gold to simulate embroidered designs) of his halo and dalmatic is as sublimely executed as the lace of his alb, an ankle-length garment of white linen. He holds a palm; symbol for martyrdom, and a flaming heart; emblem of his charity to Rome's poor and sick, whom he called the "Church's Treasures". At Lawrence's left is his famous attribute, a gridiron with flames, the instrument of his execution. Although the landscape has darkened, a few delightful parrots are visible in the background.
Barbara von Barghahn
March 6, 1999
In the Cuzqueño painting, the Saint is attired as a deacon, and the 'Brocateado' (application of gold to simulate embroidered designs) of his halo and dalmatic is as sublimely executed as the lace of his alb, an ankle-length garment of white linen. He holds a palm; symbol for martyrdom, and a flaming heart; emblem of his charity to Rome's poor and sick, whom he called the "Church's Treasures". At Lawrence's left is his famous attribute, a gridiron with flames, the instrument of his execution. Although the landscape has darkened, a few delightful parrots are visible in the background.
Barbara von Barghahn
March 6, 1999