Religion
1781. White chalk, Black chalk on blue paper.Not on display
This is a preparatory drawing for the corresponding figure on a pendentive of the Regina Patriarcharum cupola of the Basilica of the Pilar in Zaragoza. It depicts an allegorical female figure seated on a cloud, resting on a stone block. She is holding a staff with her left hand, and in her right, a double key. She wears a tunic and a cloak covering her head. A child angel, holding a twig and a yoke, is depicted at her feet. On the left, two angels converse with each other, and one holds a book. The Museo del Prado keeps the following preparatory drawings for the other three pendentives: Hope (D000543), Obedience (D000527) and Poverty (D000541).
This drawing of Religion is almost a literal copy of the figure of Faith (D000601) by Francisco Bayeu for the cupola, painted in 1778, of the Chapel of the Royal Palace in Aranjuez. The Museo del Prado owns a sketch (P002492) for this cupola interior, also by Francisco Bayeu. This sketch has been deposited in the Museo de Menorca in Mahon since 1948.
The Museo Diocesano in Zaragoza keeps a sketch.
Arnáez, Rocío, Catálogo de Dibujos II. Dibujos españoles siglo XVIII. A-B, Madrid, 1975, p.149-150
