Saint Vincent, Patron Saint of Lisbon 1525 - 1549

Saint Vincent, Patron Saint of Lisbon, was painted by Frei Carlos sometime in the first half of the sixteenth century. Carlos, as a member of the Hieronymite Order, lived a life of piety and seclusion, and his art was undoubtedly shaped by his spiritual commitments. In this painting, Saint Vincent is holding a ship and a book and standing beneath a halo, these are potent emblems of his identity. Vincent was martyred, and according to some stories, his body was thrown to the sea. According to legend, ravens protected his body from being devoured by wild animals, and it was later brought to shore. He is the patron saint of Lisbon, and his relics were transferred to Lisbon by ship in 1173. The symbolism here is complex. He is holding a palm frond signifying triumph, and the book might signify his teachings, or it might signify the gospels. It’s so interesting to see the history and stories of colonialism, faith, and identity collide in this work.