Saint Luis Gonzaga

The painting "Portrait of Saint Luis Gonzaga", a recognized young member of the Jesuits due to his purity and humility, and specially because of his strong devotion. The figure appears from the waist up, with a compassionate gaze looking down towards a cross bearing the figure of Christ during the crucifixion. His right hand is resting on his chest, leaning on him as a sign of sorrow and compassion for the religious figure. His left hand is holding the cross, while slowly covering a skull representing the imminent death of Christ. The Saint Luis Gonzaga is wearing a wearing a light grey tunic, covering a black uniform which is usually seen in religious persons. In addition, the elements which can be found the arm of the Saint are the previously mentioned skull and a book which contents are unknown. These both are placed over a small red table, which helps with the color combination to bring attention to the elements. The oval composition of the painting, alongside the choice of the artist to use a dark background helps the viewers attention to remain in the figure’s expression. Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz was a Mexican painter, who lived during the time of the New Spain, born in San Miguel de Allende. Furthermore his production of religious themed and "castas" painting, provided him with the recognition to become one of Mexico’s most important artists from the late 18th-century.