Saint Francis Rescuing Souls from Purgatory



Using water-based paints, this painting by Molleno was found in New Mexico, United States, and it is chronologically placed in a range from 1805, to 1850. Molleno worked as an artist in the northern New Mexico. He is referred to as a santero—an artist who recreates images of saints, or other holy images. 

The painting of Saint Francis was discovered by a scholar (E. Boyd) with an inscription on the reverse that reads "San Francisco pitido [sic] el ano 1845 por el escultor Molleno”, meaning “Saint Francis painted in the year 1845 by the sculptor Molleno”.

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.


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