2-722-961 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Angels bring food to Jesus in the wilderness, from a Mir’at al-quds of Father Jerome Xavier (Spanish, 1549-1617), 1602-1604. Jesus spent 40 days and nights in the desert after his baptism, where he fasted, practiced spiritual exercises, and successfully resisted the temptations of Satan. After the devil departed, God sent Jesus food from heaven. In this illustration five angels bring Jesus refreshments, including bread and melons, and a knife for slicing. Four angels are dressed in robes according to European tradition, and one is clothed only in feathers.