Brief Biography-Antonio Viladomat y Manalt, a historical and religious painter, was born in Barcelona. He was self-taught and acquired such advanced skills at a young age that he won a commission for the Carthusians at Monte Alegre, painting the life of Saint Bruno. He later undertook many tasks for the Jesuits at Tarragona. Raphael Mengs praised his work, and a court circle of Madrid held him in high esteem. Viladomat y Manalt also painted battle scenes, landscapes, and portraits to much acclaim. He died of palsy in Valencia in 1755.