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Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Francisco de Zurbarán

Art Appreciation 

Francisco de Zurbarán, born in 1598 in Fuente de Cantos, Spain, is a prominent figure in Spanish Baroque art. 

Born in 1598 in Fuente de Cantos, Spain, Zurbarán was baptized on November 7. The youngest of six children, Zurbarán's exceptional drawing talent became evident, leading his merchant father to arrange formal training in Seville. There, he embarked on an apprenticeship with Pedro Diaz de Villanueva and formed a lifelong friendship with fellow student Diego Velázquez.

In 1617, Zurbarán returned to his hometown and transitioned into a professional painter, primarily receiving commissions for religious artworks. Notably, he was tasked with creating fourteen paintings for the Dominican Order of Seville and later accepted a commission for a series of 22 paintings depicting the life of Saint Peter Nolasco, which prompted his move to Seville.

Zurbarán's artistic legacy shines brightly through his masterpiece, "The Apotheosis of Saint Thomas Aquinas," completed in 1631 and now housed in the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville. In addition to his religious works, Zurbarán's still life paintings have earned their own place in art history, celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail and lifelike textures. His ability to infuse vitality into everyday objects, including fruits, ceramics, and textiles, showcases his unparalleled precision.

Today, Zurbarán's legacy endures, as his influential works continue to be revered by art enthusiasts and scholars worldwide. His dedication to exploring the interplay of light and shadow, his embodiment of religious fervor, and his talent for elevating the mundane to the realm of art have secured his position as one of the most distinguished painters of the Spanish Baroque era.


Crucifixion (1627)

Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb (c. 1630/34)

Visión de San Pedro Nolasco (1629)

The Apotheosis of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1631)


Source:

Wikipedia

https://www.theartstory.org/artist/zurbaran-francisco-de/

https://blog.mam.org/2017/06/27/from-the-collection-francisco-de-zurbarans-saint-francis-of-assisi-in-his-tomb/

https://www.chicagocatholic.com/chicagoland/-/article/2016/10/02/art-institute-of-chicago-partners-with-archdiocese-for-jubilee-of-mercy-to-4?a=print

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