Pradez, Roberto Francisco

First deaf teacher in Spain. Born at Zaragoza; home-schooled by his mother, but orphaned at age 16. Attended the Academy of Fine Arts (Valencia) and in 1797 to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Madrid) until 1804; teacher and, later, head teacher at the Royal School for Deaf-Mutes, 1805-1835. Took first prize in 1799 for an engraved rendition of Meng's painting of the Virgin. Never given proper credit for his contributions to deaf education, he died in poverty.