Head of saint slit throat 

Francisco Herrera the Elder’s *Head of saint slit throat* depicts a realistic, yet dramatic, portrayal of a severed head. The depiction of a saint’s head, likely a martyr, draws attention to the grisly reality of the saint’s fate. The work is an example of Herrera's masterful use of chiaroscuro, creating strong contrasts between light and dark to accentuate the dramatic aspects of the scene. This painting, housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain, offers a glimpse into the Baroque style, which flourished during Herrera's lifetime.