Saint Francis Rescuing Souls from Purgatory
Saint Francis Rescuing Souls from Purgatory, Molleno, 1845, New Mexico
This water-based painting by Molleno, a santero active in northern New Mexico during the first half of the 19th century, depicts Saint Francis intervening on behalf of souls in purgatory. The work was found in New Mexico and can be dated between 1805 and 1850, with the inscription on the reverse reading “San Francisco pitido [sic] el ano 1845 por el escultor Molleno” confirming the year of execution. As a santero, Molleno specialized in creating devotional images of saints and holy figures for both churches and private devotion, following the rich folk art tradition of New Mexican religious painting.
In the composition, Saint Francis leans toward the tormented souls, lifting and guiding them toward salvation with tender gestures that convey compassion and intercession. The souls are depicted in various expressive poses, some reaching upward with hope, others appearing weighed down by suffering, emphasizing the saint’s role as mediator between the earthly and the divine. Molleno’s use of water-based paints gives the figures a delicate luminosity, while his careful attention to facial expressions and body language creates a dramatic, yet intimate, narrative scene.
The painting’s style is characteristic of New Mexican santero art, emphasizing clear storytelling, devotional intent, and emotional immediacy. The dark background enhances the spiritual intensity of the scene, highlighting the saint’s figure and the illuminated souls. Through its composition, color, and narrative focus, Molleno captures both the intercessory power of Saint Francis and the devotional atmosphere that was central to regional religious practice during the period.
Based on this inscription, art historians are able to attribute other works with matching characteristics to Molleno. During his career, the artist developed three different styles of painting, referred to as his early, middle, and late periods. He moved from creating somewhat realistic figures to more simplified, abstract figures.
Dimensions 58 3/8 x 38 1/16in. Now found at the Brooklyn Museum Collection.
The blessed souls of purgatory are souls of the faithful who died in minor sins and need to go through the purifying fire to present themselves before God. These are souls that are loved by Jesus, paying what they owe to divine justice, and they should not be forgotten.
Comments
Post a Comment