San Benito Collection

San Benito, a name that evokes both religious devotion and historical persecution

San Benito Collection: Woodblock engraving depicting a victim of the Spanish Inquisition being led to the stake wearing a

Woodblock engraving depicting a victim of the Spanish Inquisition being led to the stake wearing a San Benito
5308577 Woodblock engraving depicting a victim of the Spanish Inquisition being led to the stake wearing a San Benito, a linen overall painted with figures of demons and creatures from Hell

San Benito chapel at Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalucia. Spain

San Benito Collection: Picture No. 11671963

Picture No. 11671963
Giant Barrel Cactus red flowers. Date:

San Benito Collection: Picture No. 11671962

Picture No. 11671962
Giant Barrel Cactus with coastline in the background. Date:

San Benito Collection: SPANISH INQUISITION. Condemned heretics wearing sanbenito robes showing scenes of hell

SPANISH INQUISITION. Condemned heretics wearing sanbenito robes showing scenes of hell, being led single file to be burned at the stake (far right). German engraving, 17th or 18th century

San Benito Collection: SPANISH INQUISITION. Man and woman, condemned by the Spanish Inquisition to be burned

SPANISH INQUISITION. Man and woman, condemned by the Spanish Inquisition to be burned, wearing the sanbenito habits. Line engraving, English, 18th century

San Benito Collection: SPANISH INQUISITION. A victim of the Spanish Inquisition wearing the sanbenito habit

SPANISH INQUISITION. A victim of the Spanish Inquisition wearing the sanbenito habit. Line engraving, English, 18th century

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San Benito, a name that evokes both religious devotion and historical persecution. In the picturesque town of Setenil de las Bodegas in Andalucia, Spain, stands the San Benito chapel, a testament to centuries of faith and spirituality. Its humble facade hides stories of devotion and sacrifice. But San Benito is not only associated with peaceful worship; it also carries dark undertones from the era of the Spanish Inquisition. The sambenitos worn by penitents during auto-da-fes serve as haunting reminders of a time when confession was a matter of life or death. These garments symbolized repentance for sins committed against the Church and were worn by those who sought to escape burning at the stake. The images captured in historical engravings depict scenes from this grim period in history. Victims condemned by the Spanish Inquisition donned sanbenito habits as they faced their fate - some strangled before being burned, others led single file towards their fiery demise. These depictions are chilling reminders of an oppressive regime that sought to eradicate heresy through fear and violence, and is important to remember these dark chapters in history so that we may learn from them and ensure such atrocities are never repeated. San Benito represents both light and darkness - a chapel where prayers are offered for salvation alongside images that remind us of past injustices. It serves as a reminder that religion can be used both as a force for good and as a tool for oppression. As we gaze upon these images, let us reflect on our own beliefs and actions, striving always towards tolerance, understanding, and compassion – ensuring that no one ever has to wear the sanbenito habit again.