Arco, Alonso del

Nicknamed "El Sordillo de Pereda". Some source say he was born deaf, possibly in Madrid; others say he was deafened in a house fire; may have been taught by Juan Pablo Bonet or by Antonio de Pereda. Painted several arches in the royal palace and several portraits of the king; some of his works are in a museum at Madrid and in public buildings throughout Spain. Was noted for his early portraits, but, apparently, later works suffered from hasty workmanship or the infirmity of advanced age. Died in Madrid.