San Ignacio de Loyola 

Claudio Coello’s painting of San Ignacio de Loyola offers a dramatic interplay of form and concept. The saint's figure dominates the composition, his robes a vibrant study in color and texture. An angel holds a book with the inscription "Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam" which translates to "For the Greater Glory of God." Coello masterfully uses light to create a sense of the divine. Note how the composition is designed to elevate the figure of Loyola, suggesting his spiritual authority. The painting transcends mere representation. The formal elements work in tandem with the subject matter to underscore the power and influence of the Jesuit order during this era. This painting doesn't just depict a saint; it embodies the Jesuitical mission, inviting us to consider the ways in which religious power intersects with artistic expression.