Benouville first exhibited at the Salon in 1838, after studying under Picot, and he remained true to the academic tradition throughout his life. In 1845 he won the Prix de Rome. In 1852, after his return from Rome, he began submitting anecdotal history pieces and religious paintings to the Salons. He collaborated with Amaury Duval on the decoration of the church of Saint-Germaine-en-Laye.

Towards the back of the group emerging from the tunnel in Les Martyrs is a male head which corresponds to this red chalk drawing. The man is gazing up to heaven and placing his trust in God to support him in his ordeal. His upraised arms are also suggested in the drawing. This study is approximately the same size as the head in the painting.
( Wiepke Loos)