Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

The Triumph of Saint Hermenegildo by Francisco Herrera the Younger

Francisco Herrera the Younger · 1654-01-01

"The Triumph of Saint Hermenegildo" by Francisco Herrera the Younger, painted in 1654, is a powerful depiction of a martyred Visigothic prince ascending to sainthood. Now held at the Museo del Prado, this work is a testament to the dramatic flair of Spanish Baroque art.

Look at the central figure, Saint Hermenegild, in his radiant robes and armor, clutching a cross as he rises heavenward. The dynamic host of angels and the dramatic use of light and shadow amplify the intensity of this spiritual triumph.

But this painting has a storied past. It vanished during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars. A Spanish general, fearing it would fall into French hands, stole and hid the masterpiece, safeguarding it from wartime looting.

Its survival is a fascinating tale, reminding us how art often endures through conflict.

Details

He was martyred after converting to Catholicism.
He was martyred after converting to Catholicism.
Its dramatic style made it famous.
Its dramatic style made it famous.
But the painting vanished during the Napoleonic Wars.
But the painting vanished during the Napoleonic Wars.
It was stolen, then hidden by a Spanish general.
It was stolen, then hidden by a Spanish general.
He protected it from French looters.
He protected it from French looters.
Transcript

This painting shows a Spanish prince becoming a saint. He was martyred after converting to Catholicism. Its dramatic style made it famous. But the painting vanished during the Napoleonic Wars. It was stolen, then hidden by a Spanish general. He protected it from French looters.