St Hermenegild in Prision 1799

"St Hermenegild in Prison" (1799) by Francisco Goya is a dramatic depiction of the Visigothic martyr, St. Hermenegild, imprisoned and surrounded by his captors. The scene is illuminated by a sliver of light coming from a window, casting sharp shadows and emphasizing the tension and despair of the moment. Goya's characteristic use of dark, expressive brushstrokes and his intense focus on the emotional state of his subjects imbues the scene with a powerful sense of drama and pathos, typical of his later works. The painting offers a glimpse into the religious and historical themes that fascinated Goya, and his ability to capture the complexity of human emotions.