This series on the life of Saint Anthony of Padua was part of a collection of paintings used by the Franciscan friars who once inhabited the Convent of La Asunción. The artworks served to encourage members of the order to emulate the saint’s virtues.

Anthony was a Portuguese preacher whose theological training and calling led him to spread Christianity in Africa, parts of Italy, and France. His fame as a powerful orator spread, and after his death his tongue was removed and preserved as a relic in Padua, Italy.

He is typically depicted wearing a brown Franciscan habit with a cord and three knots symbolizing the vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity. He also appears with a book, representing his knowledge of the Scriptures; a flaming heart, symbolizing divine love; and a white lily, signifying purity. Additionally, he is often shown holding the Christ Child, whom, according to tradition, appeared to him during meditation.

In Catholicism, he is the patron saint of the poor and is invoked to help with memory and to find lost objects. He is also widely called upon in matters of love, and it is a common tradition to turn his image upside down to “encourage” him to act quickly.