Saint Hermenegild in Prison

This sketch, using rapid brushstrokes of warm, glowing colors on a dark background, is one of three produced in 1799 for the three canvases painted for the church of San Fernando in Monte Torrero, Zaragoza. The church was founded by Ramón de Pignatelli, who led the construction of the Aragon Imperial Canal. Jovellanos visited the church in April 1801 and referred to the "admirable works, not so much for their composition as for the power of their "chiaroscuro," the inimitable beauty of their color, and a certain magic of light and shadow that appears to be beyond the reach of any other brush."