The paintings were not detached pictures, but drawn and colored on the wall itself, which had been previously prepared for the reception of the colors by a curious process, still in use among the Orientals.[A] The colors, when dry, were rubbed, till the utmost brilliancy was attained; and this, combined as it was with a freedom and correctness of drawing, produced an effect as striking then as it would be novel to modern eyes.

One side, divided into three compartments, contained in one a touching likeness of the young Alfonso.

His figure, rather larger than life, was clothed in armor, which shone as inlaid with gold.

His head was bare, and his bright locks flowed over his shoulders as he wore them in life.

His brilliant eye, his lofty brow, and peculiarly sweet expression of mouth, had been caught by the limner, and transferred to his painting in all their original beauty.