San Ignacio Exorcizando a un Poseso

In this image of demonic possession St. Ignatius is seen in the center of the image, looking towards heaven and appears as if in a divine trance, he holds one hand out over the demoniac and the other is open and offered to God. The male demoniac is kneeling before Saint Ignatius. The audience, visible behind the demoniac, becomes active participants in the scene as they are represented as trying to restrain the demoniac. The possessed is represented, stylistically more violent, with his mouth open as if howling in agony; his teeth appear barbaric by being bared like a dog. His wild eyes seem inhuman; he has torn at his clothes and fallen to the ground spasmodically. Not only is the demoniac denied his humanity as the ultimate ñother,î as in previous examples among his own people; he is given a more animalistic characteristics by Leal, moreover, the animal-like demoniac, in in contrast with St. Ignatius, who is represented as GodÍs humble servant preforming the miracles of Jesus. LealÍs paintings demons expel from the demoniacÍs mouth in a mixture of air and winged creatures.