RETABLE OF THE SAINT INES´ DEATH

This painting created quite an impression at the Bilbao Exposition in 1919. It was Julio Romero de Torres ´ first individual exhibition and was held in the Majestic Hall Room.
The format of canvas is in the structure of a baroque altar. The top two segments depict Saint Ines´ life and martyrdom. The main painting presents Saint Ines´ body wrapped in a subtle shroud with a pleasant dream like expression, not death. At each end, two angels crouch over the body. One holds up his hand asking for silence, the other at her feet, throws out a ray of vivifying light. The painter reveals his belief that death is not something gloomy but peaceful and that it is pleasant to pass to another life.
He never wanted to sell this retable because it was his mothers favourite painting.