Herrera el Mozo, Francisco de – El triunfo de San Hermenegildo Part 2 Prado Museum

The composition presents a dramatic ascension amidst swirling clouds and celestial light. A central figure, youthful and vigorous, rises powerfully towards the upper portion of the canvas. He is draped in flowing robes of red and blue, his hair dark and disheveled, suggesting both dynamism and perhaps suffering. In his raised hand, he holds aloft a cross, its form sharply defined against the luminous backdrop. Surrounding him are numerous cherubic figures, their expressions ranging from adoration to gentle curiosity. They appear to propel or guide his ascent with delicate gestures.
Below this ascending figure lies another man, older and seemingly burdened by grief or despair. He is prostrate on what appears to be a mound of earth or rocks, his face contorted in anguish. His posture suggests defeat and submission, contrasting sharply with the triumphant elevation above. A third, partially obscured figure stands nearby, appearing to witness the scene with an expression that blends sorrow and perhaps resignation. To the left, a winged lion is visible, its presence adding a symbolic layer of strength or guardianship.
The artist employs a palette dominated by warm tones – reds, golds, and yellows – which contribute to the overall sense of divine glory and triumph. The use of chiaroscuro – the interplay of light and shadow – is pronounced, intensifying the drama and highlighting key figures. Light emanates from an unseen source above, bathing the ascending figure in a radiant glow while casting deep shadows on those below.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and divine intervention. The contrast between the upward movement and the downward posture suggests a narrative of suffering leading to transcendence. The presence of the cross implies a religious context, potentially referencing martyrdom or spiritual salvation. The lion may symbolize courage or protection in the face of adversity. The older man’s grief could represent earthly loss or regret, while the figure observing the scene might embody empathy or acceptance of fate. Ultimately, the work conveys a powerful emotional resonance through its dynamic composition and symbolic imagery.