Founder of the order of la Merced Calzada, the saint is depicted kneeling, leaning on a church pew. In his dream, an angel appears to him and shows him heavenly Jerusalem, conceived as a walled city with gates and drawbridges over which numerous people enter and exit.

This work is a companion to Saint Peter appearing to Saint Peter Nolasco (P01237) and both were part of a series painted by Zurbarán for the Cloister of the Convent of la Merced Calzada in Seville. The series depicts different moments in the life of the founder of that order.

In this scene, the supernatural is represented in a straightforward manner, without violent contrasts, in the spirit of calm tranquility with which Zurbarán interprets the stories and miracles of Seville's religious orders. Probably at the monk's request, the painter depicts this male saint as a mature figure, with graying hair and beard, an example of virtue to be imitated by the younger friars.

It was acquired by Dean López Cepero before 1808 and he ceded it to Fernando VII in 1821.