Death of St Joseph

1644

His wife is found murdered; suspicion falls on Cano

Cano’s wife is found murdered with fifteen stab wounds; an Italian painter who lived in his house (by another account, a servant) is accused but vanishes, and because of discord between the spouses suspicion falls on Alonso himself. The judges, mindful of his unbalanced temper, blame Cano: he is arrested and tortured but is not found guilty and, not without the king’s intervention, is released.

after 1644

Leaves for the province of Valencia

He moves to the province of Valencia, intending to enter a monastery; by another account, he fled there after being condemned and only later returned to Madrid, where he was tortured.

1652

Returns to Granada and becomes a canon

Back in his native city (he had been living in the province of Valencia), he receives holy orders with the help of Philip IV, becomes a canon and chief architect of the cathedral, decorates its main chapel and is appointed its chief painter; by another account, the orders gave him protection from further prosecution. He brings books, engravings and tools with him, apparently planning to stay for good.