Alonso Carrillo's Mass of St Gregory

The Mass of Saint Gregory is a scene in Roman Catholic art which can be seen illustrated many times throughout the late Middle Ages.

The story behind the scene goes that to convince a doubter who did not believe that transubstantiation made bread into the body of Christ, Pope Gregory prays to God and the host turned into a bloody finger.

In the popular 13th century compilation the Golden Legend this story is retained, but other versions vary and the finger is changed into a visionary appearance of the whole of Christ on the altar, and the doubter becomes one of the deacons.

The use of gold can be noted throughout the painting, its holy appeal is used as a halo around Jesus, on the robes and crown of the pope, and on the chalice upon the altar.

[8] Carrillo was made protonotary apostolic by Pope Eugene IV, entering the royal court of John II of Castile.

Carrillo acted as Queen Isabella’s main advisor and he played a major part in arranging her marriage to Ferdinand II of Aragon in October 1469.