This Spanish painter was a favorite with King Charles II. He was
painting his Majesty's portrait one day in the presence of the Queen
mother, when the royal sitter asked him to which of the knightly orders
he belonged. "To none," replied the artist, "but the order of your
Majesty's servants." "Why is this?" said Charles. The Admiral of
Castile, who was standing by, replied that he should have a cross
immediately; and on leaving the royal presence, he sent Carreño a rich
badge of Santiago, assuring him that what the king had said entitled him
to wear it. Palomino says, however, that the artist's modesty prevented
him from accepting the proffered honor. His royal master continued to
treat him with unabated regard, and would allow no artist to paint him
without Carreño's permission.