Giaquinto painted in Naples and then in Rome as a decorative and religious painter. From 1753 to 1761 he was commissioned in Madrid at the court of Ferdinand VI.
The stark effect of bright pastels against dark colors is one of Giaquinto’s trademarks. In this painting, it drives home the contrast between the earthly and the heavenly. Our Lady watches closely from heaven as Saint Nicholas braves the storm to rescue those drowning.
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
