The Miracle of Saint Turibio, Archbishop of Lima Sebastiano Conca (1680-1764)

In this Baroque painting, the artist depicts a religious scene titled The Miracle of Saint Turibio, Archbishop of Lima. The central figure, Saint Turibio, a man with a halo, is dressed in ecclesiastical robes of blue and white. He stands on a muddy bank, gesturing with his right hand towards a rough, choppy body of water. A purple umbrella is held above him, implying his elevated status.

To his left, a procession of figures follows him. A man in a white robe carries a crucifix aloft, while others are clad in various garments, some wearing turbans. The crowd includes individuals of different ages and social standings, suggesting a diverse group of followers or the populace he is ministering to. A woman in a vibrant red dress, holding a child, is seated prominently in the foreground on the left, drawing attention to the human element of the scene. Dogs are watchful at the edge of the bank.

On the right side of the painting, a group of figures appears on another bank, some with hands raised in supplication or awe. They seem to be witnessing the event or perhaps are the recipients of the miracle. In the background, tents and a lush, somewhat wild landscape with palm trees are visible, hinting at a location in a remote or exotic land. The overall atmosphere is dramatic, with the swirling water and the dynamic poses of the figures.

Subtexts:

• Divine Intervention and Faith: The core subtext is the miraculous power attributed to Saint Turibius. His gesture and the presence of the halo suggest he is performing or has performed a divine act, possibly calming the waters or bringing aid to those in need. The upturned faces and raised hands on the right bank suggest a response of faith and belief in his power.
• Colonialism and Evangelization: As Archbishop of Lima in the 16th and 17th centuries, Saint Turibius was instrumental in the evangelization of indigenous populations in Peru. The painting, therefore, can be seen as a representation of the spread of Christianity into new territories, with the exotic landscape and diverse peoples alluding to the New World. The depiction of the Archbishops authority (umbrella) and his mission to convert or guide the people is a key element.
• Social Hierarchy and Compassion: The varied crowd, from the robed clergy to the seated woman with a child and the more distant figures in tents, may represent the spectrum of society. The focus on the woman and child in the foreground suggests an emphasis on compassion and care for the vulnerable, a common theme in religious art.
• The Power of the Church: The painting underscores the authority and spiritual might of the Catholic Church during this period, embodied by the Archbishop who is clearly positioned as a central and powerful figure. The procession and the reverence shown by the onlookers reinforce this.