Francisco de Zurbarán (1598 - 1664)

Francisco de Zurbarán (1598 - 1664) - photo 1

Francisco de Zurbarán

Francisco de Zurbarán was a Spanish painter, celebrated for his profound religious paintings and his skill in using chiaroscuro, which emphasized dramatic contrasts between light and dark. Born in Fuente de Cantos, Extremadura, in 1598, Zurbarán's work is marked by a stark, realistic style that earned him the nickname "Spanish Caravaggio"​​​​.

His early years in Seville were foundational, leading to significant commissions that established his reputation. Among these was a contract with the Dominican monastery San Pablo el Real in Seville, for which he produced 21 paintings within eight months, depicting the life of Saint Dominic and other religious figures​​. His work was characterized by a direct and spiritual nature, as seen in his portrayals of monks, nuns, and martyrs, as well as his still-life compositions​​​​.

Despite facing a decline in reputation towards the latter part of his career, overshadowed by the sentimental religiosity of Murillo, Zurbarán's influence persisted. His later years saw him moving to Madrid, where he died in 1664​​​​. Zurbarán's ability to convey monastic sentiments and a realistic presentation of nature, along with his innovative use of light, have cemented his legacy as a major figure in Spanish Baroque painting​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Zurbarán's works offer a glimpse into the spiritual and aesthetic sensibilities of the Spanish Baroque era. His paintings, such as those housed in the National Gallery, London, and the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their intensity and devotion​​​​.

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Date and place of birt:7 november 1598, Fuente de Cantos, Spain
Date and place of death:27 august 1664, Madrid, Spain
Nationality:Spain
Period of activity: XVII century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Art school / group:Seville School of the Spanish Baroque
Genre:Religious genre
Art style:Baroque, Karavagism

Creators Spain

Bernardo Lopez Picker (1801 - 1874)
Bernardo Lopez Picker
1801 - 1874
José Miralles Darmanin (1851 - 1900)
José Miralles Darmanin
1851 - 1900
Fernando Álvarez de Sotomayor y Zaragoza (1875 - 1960)
Fernando Álvarez de Sotomayor y Zaragoza
1875 - 1960
Juan Bautista Martinez del Maso (1612 - 1667)
Juan Bautista Martinez del Maso
1612 - 1667
Juan Genoves (1930 - 2020)
Juan Genoves
1930 - 2020
Manuel Barron and Carrillo (1814 - 1884)
Manuel Barron and Carrillo
1814 - 1884
Francisco Bores (1898 - 1972)
Francisco Bores
1898 - 1972
Erwin Bechtold (1925 - 2022)
Erwin Bechtold
1925 - 2022
Giuseppe Recco (1634 - 1695)
Giuseppe Recco
1634 - 1695
Antonio Saura (1930 - 1998)
Antonio Saura
1930 - 1998
José del Castillo (1737 - 1793)
José del Castillo
1737 - 1793
Francisco Sobrino (1932 - 2014)
Francisco Sobrino
1932 - 2014
Miguel Berrocal (1933 - 2006)
Miguel Berrocal
1933 - 2006
Serafin Avendano (1838 - 1916)
Serafin Avendano
1838 - 1916
Rafael Garcia Espaleto (1832 - 1854)
Rafael Garcia Espaleto
1832 - 1854
Juan Garcia Ripolles (1932)
Juan Garcia Ripolles
1932

Creators Baroque

Aelbert Jansz. van der Schoor (1602 - 1672)
Aelbert Jansz. van der Schoor
1602 - 1672
Claes Jansz. van der Willigen (1630 - 1676)
Claes Jansz. van der Willigen
1630 - 1676
Jean-Baptiste le Saive I (1571 - 1624)
Jean-Baptiste le Saive I
1571 - 1624
Jan Peeters (1624 - 1677)
Jan Peeters
1624 - 1677
Carel de Vogelaer (1653 - 1695)
Carel de Vogelaer
1653 - 1695
Carlo Ceresa (1609 - 1679)
Carlo Ceresa
1609 - 1679
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609 - 1664)
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione
1609 - 1664
Giulia Elisabetta Lama (1681 - 1747)
Giulia Elisabetta Lama
1681 - 1747
Daniel Marot I (1661 - 1752)
Daniel Marot I
1661 - 1752
Matías de Irala (1680 - 1753)
Matías de Irala
1680 - 1753
J.P. van Wijck (XVII century)
J.P. van Wijck
XVII century
Evaristo Baskenis (1617 - 1677)
Evaristo Baskenis
1617 - 1677
Harmen Loeding (1627 - 1673)
Harmen Loeding
1627 - 1673
Heyman Dullaert (1636 - 1684)
Heyman Dullaert
1636 - 1684
Filippo Gherardi (1643 - 1704)
Filippo Gherardi
1643 - 1704
Gaspare Diziani (1689 - 1767)
Gaspare Diziani
1689 - 1767
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