Tiepolo and the Oil Sketflies for the Church of San Pascual Baylon, Aranjuez A .t the very end of his career Tiepolo embarked on an unprecedented commission: seven large altarpieces for San Pascual Baylon, a new church constructed at the behest of King Charles III (r. 1759-88) for the Alcantarine friars of Aranjuez. £ In the nine- teenth century the altarpieces were dispersed. Many were cut up or destroyed, and for this reason the five sketches of 1767 (cat. nos. 9-13A) best reveal Tiepolo's intentions for this commission. & Moreover, the fine state of preservation, radiant beauty, and inventive approach to the subject matter of these paint- ings reveal Tiepolo's continued vitality as an important religious painter during his final years. £• The Aranjuez sketches from the Courtauld stand among the artist's signal accomplishments and remain a highlight of the Spanish phase of his career.