Of the Altar Del Perdon
The narrative follows a talented painter, a sinner named Don Simon Peyrens, who initially rejects the notion of creating sacred art, viewing it as foolishness. His disdainful attitude leads to his imprisonment by the Inquisition after he publicly blasphemes against the sacred competition for a painting of Our Lady of Mercy. Despite the pressure from the Church, Peyrens remains obstinate, refusing to repent or comply with their demands, even destroying the materials provided for the painting. As Peyrens languishes in his cell, a miraculous event occurs: he is visited by the apparition of Our Lady of Mercy, who gently questions his lack of love for her. This encounter transforms him, melting his hardened heart and inspiring him to create a painting of her. Despite having no canvas, he ingeniously decides to paint on the door of his cell, using the divine light and fragrance that accompany the vision. Throughout the night, Peyrens paints fervently, and by morning, he has completed a stunning image of Our Lady, the most beautiful ever created. The Archbishop and the Cathedral Chapter, upon witnessing the miraculous painting, are compelled to venerate it. They declare Peyrens deserving of both freedom and the prize for the competition, absolving him of his sins through the intercession of Our Lady. The painting is then framed and placed on the Altar del Perdon, becoming its centerpiece and securing Peyrens' redemption. The story concludes with the assertion that the miraculous image still exists, serving as a testament to the transformative power of faith and divine grace.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1894 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy · 2,278 words
First lines
This painter, Senor, who by a miracle painted the most beautiful picture of Our Lady of Mercy that is to be found in the whole world -- the very picture that ever since has adorned the Altar del Perdon in the Cathedral -- in the beginning of him was a very bad sinner: being a Fleming, and a Jew, and many other things that he ought not to have been, and therefore straight in the way to pass the whole of Eternity -- his wickednesses being so numerous that time would have been wasted in trying to purge him of them in Purgatory -- in the hottest torments that the devil his master could contrive. He was a very agreeable young gentleman, of a cheerful and obliging nature, and both witty and interesting in his talkings -- for which reason the Viceroy had a great liking for his company and had him often at the Palace to the banquets and the festivals of the court. His name, Senor, was Don Simon Peyrens; and the Viceroy his patron -- in whose suite he had come from Spain expressly to beautify the Palace with his paintings -- was Don Gaston de Peralta, Marques de Falces: who was the third Viceroy of the Province, being the successor to the good Don Luis de Velasco when that most worthy gentleman ceased to be a Viceroy and became an angel in the year 1564.[2]
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Altar Del Perdon is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas A. Janvier, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas A. Janvier
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,278 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Fiction — The story revolves around themes of sin, redemption, and divine intervention, focusing on the character's relationship with faith and the miraculous.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context involving the Inquisition and colonial Mexico, the narrative incorporates real historical figures and events.
- Fantasy — The presence of miraculous events and divine appearances introduces elements of fantasy within the narrative.
- Drama — The emotional and moral struggles of the protagonist create a dramatic tension throughout the story.
Tags
forgiveness · redemption · spirituality · faith · sacrifice · morality · self-discovery · inner conflict · human experience · grace · love · suffering