Saint Hermenegild in Prison (San Hermenegildo en la prisión) (sketch)

The painting corresponding to this sketch was located on the Epistle side of the church. The story depicted is that of the Visigoth king, son of Leovigild, proclaimed governor of Seville by his father only to later be condemned by him when he found out that his son has converted to Christianity. Leovigild imprisoned his son, and when he could not persuade him to renounce his faith he ordered for him to be beheaded. The place in Seville where these events took place is the site of the church raised in his name.

It is the most finished sketch of the three. The converted Visigoth king is shown in the gloom of the prison, still dressed in elegant clothing. He is surrounded by three jailors who try to humiliate him and provoke him into renouncing his faith. The king resists, maintaining his dignity and pride and looking heavenwards. He is illuminated by a light which filters through the bars of the cell, creating a strong chiaroscuro between the two sides of the composition. The sparkling highlights of the saint's clothing and his expression of suffering are striking, even though this is only a preliminary study.