Louis was the grandson of
Alfonso VIII of Castile, meaning that in the late 16th century, he was revered in both France and Spain, particularly since no Spanish king was canonised until
Ferdinand III of Castile received the honour in 1671. The work was commissioned by Luis de Castilla, the painter's friend and future executor – the saint was also Luis' name saint. For a period the work was in the collection of the
château de Chenonceau, before being acquired by its present owner in 1903. A recent restoration has revealed a cityscape in the background, showing Toledo.
Louis was the grandson of
Alfonso VIII of Castile, meaning that in the late 16th century, he was revered in both France and Spain, particularly since no Spanish king was canonised until
Ferdinand III of Castile received the honour in 1671. The work was commissioned by Luis de Castilla, the painter's friend and future executor – the saint was also Luis' name saint. For a period the work was in the collection of the
château de Chenonceau, before being acquired by its present owner in 1903. A recent restoration has revealed a cityscape in the background, showing Toledo.