The death of Pedro Velarde y Santillán during the defence of the Monteleon Artillery Barracks

Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla painted this dramatic scene depicting the death of artillery officer Pedro Velarde during the 1808 uprising against Napoleon's forces in Madrid. The heroic composition shows Velarde falling at the Monteleón barracks, a key moment in Spanish resistance. Sorolla brings patriotic fervor to this early historical work.

Before becoming famous for sun-drenched beach scenes, Sorolla painted ambitious historical canvases. This work demonstrates his narrative skill and academic training. Displayed at the Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain.