St. Vincent - Deacon and Martyr

St. Vincent (c1630) Jerónimo Jacinto de Espinosa

In the United States, January 23 is the feast day of St. Vincent, Deacon and Martyr. St. Vincent is protomartyr (first martyr) of Spain. He died in 304 after being brutally tortured. On the left side of the painting you can see his hand on the millstone that they tied to him. They threw him into the sea and miraculously his body washed ashore where his followers were able to give him proper burial outside the walls of Valencia.

The painting is by a lessor known Spanish Baroque artist, Jerónimo Jacinto de Espinosa.(1600-1667) de Espinosa is from Valencia and shows the saint receiving instruction from God. The use of tenebrism emphasizes St. Vincent's expression as he receives the instructions.

What do you think St. Vincent is thinking?