Bernardo de Mora (Mallorca 1614 - 1684 Granada) Spanish, circa 1660-1679

Bernardo de Mora was one of the followers of the painter and sculptor Alonso Cano, and this carving was inspired by the depictions of San Diego that were sculpted by Cano in Granada during the final phase of his career, between 1652 and 1667. Similarities the present work shares with Cano’s works include the voluminous folds of the habit gathered up to show the garment beneath, the position of the feet that appear to be about to take a step forward, and the serene pose and demeanor of the subject.

San Diego de Alcalá was a Franciscan monk who lived in Spain during the 15th century. He devoted his life to charity and it is recorded that when he was caught giving food to the poor against his superior's orders, the loaves of bread that were hidden in the folds of his coarse wool habit miraculously turned into flowers. The saint is commonly depicted holding flowers in his habit or, as shown here, with his habit gathered up.

RELATED LITERATURE:

C. Bermudez and J. Augustín. Diccionario histórico de los más ilustres profesores de las Bellas Artes en España. Madrid, 1800, t. III, p. 178