Epiphany (La epifanía)

Along with Circumcision of Christ (La circuncisión), this painting at 10 metres in length is one of the scenes that occupies the most space of the set. It is also located in one of the arms of the transept - in this case on the Evangelical side - and is painted on the three walls in the form of a triptych.

A good part of the original painting by Goya was lost from the left-hand panel and was repainted by the Buffet brothers.

In this case the Holy Family are not placed at the centre of the composition but on the right-hand side, while the central figure is Gaspar: bearded, crowned and wearing a vast white cloak, he stands out clearly against the background of blue-grey clouds and sky, the Star of Bethlehem shining over on the right. Behind Gaspar, a woman wearing a veil carries a box of offerings in her hands. At the feet of the king we can see the heads of two camels expressed in whitish hues.

Melchior is pictured on the right in the foreground, wearing a bright yellow cloak and kneeling before the Virgin to worship the Christ Child who she bears in her arms. These three figures and Saint Joseph, placed behind the King, are placed before the ruins of a classical style building with pilasters and columns. Behind Melchior, Balthazar stands watch in a red and gold tunic.

Apart from the figures painted by the Buffet brothers, the group on the left is populated by very poorly defined figures, almost mere sketches in the shadows, who contemplate the scene of the Epiphany with awe and reverence.

See Revelation to Saint Joachim and Saint Anne for a history of the complete set of works housed in this church.