Saint Romanus of Antioch and Saint Barulas

In this imposing canvas, Saint Romanus of Antioch towers over a young boy, Saint Barulas, in a dramatic scene of faith and martyrdom. Romanus, a figure of immense strength, holds up his own tongue, brutally torn out by his tormentors, a visceral detail that immediately draws the eye. His other hand grasps a massive, open book, inscribed with a prayer invoking his intercession for the faithful. This painting, originally created for the high altar of the church of San Román in Seville, Spain, was designed to align with the church's dedication to Saint Romanus. Catholic reformers of the era emphasized that religious art should present easily recognizable figures and narratives to engage contemporary audiences, a goal this artwork achieves with its direct and powerful depiction of the saints.