The oil painting of the Sacred Family, located in the Chapel of Palacio Episcopal de Matagalpa, is believed to be the work of the master painter Bartolomeus Murillo, who lived in Spain during late XVII Century. It shows Virgin Mary, the Child Jesus, and Saint Joseph, visited by St. Ignatius de Loyola, and St. Louis de Gonzaga. It was brought by the Jesuit Fathers from Spain to Matagalpa in 1874. Now the painting adorns the altar wall of that Chapel in Matagalpa. Originally (1870s) there were two classic oil paintings, the other one was taken and used to wrap valuables by the Indians in their attack to the city in 1881, which historians call "La Guerra de los Indios de 1881", it was never recovered.

This one was being wrapped the same way, but was finally abandoned by the Indians when they heard the advance of the reinforcing cavalry troops coming from Managua. This painting was recovered, but suffered some damage, including the area of the signature, now illegible. It has been believed made by a classical master as Murillo because its seniority, and delicacy, you can analyze the form of the hands, so delicate. Hands have been difficult to paint and these ones are masterly done. The faces, expressions, colors and its size are classical from that era. How painting, being so valuable, has been preserved in this little city of Matagalpa?

After the Indian war Demetria, being afraid of the risk of another Indian attack, left the painting in custody of local Catholic Church (Elevated to Cathedral since 1924). Demetria Molina Zeledon was the wife of the former provincial Governor Mathias Baldizon, who happened to be the Treasurer of the construction of the huge Catholic temple being built by the Jesuits with the help of the local people, during the years 1870s-1880s.

In 1907, a German immigrant Otto Kuehl (married to Demetria Jr., the Governor«s daughter) made its solid wood frame that now can be appreciated. Once inside the church the painting was several times requested to be transported to the city of Leon, base of the Nicaraguan Archbishop, but the petition was rejected because it does not belong to the Church, but to its custodian, the heirs of the matrone Demetria Molina Baldizon, who happen to be more that 200 people now. The custodians happen to be the oldest surviving member of that family. It is an oil paint on canvas, size 8x6 feet, protected by a solid wood frame, but it starting to show signs of deterioration. This precious painting can be visited, and photographed with care, in the Ateneo Chappel, located in the Episcopal Palace, in the city of Matagalpa.

By, Eddy Kuhl Member of the Academia de Geografia e Historia de Nicaragua Eddy@selvanegra.com.ni www.selvanegra.com