Tag: SpanishBaroque
-
The Crucifixion
“The Crucifixion” (1627) by Francisco de Zurbarán. The black background and amazing detail on Jesus’ body and loin cloth make this painting feel three dimensional. It is unknown if Zurbaran ever saw Caravaggio’s paintings, but looking at this piece, it is hard to believe he had not.
-
Behold the Lamb of God
Estaban Murillo Ecce Agnes Dei (c.1655) “Behold the Lamb of God” depicts adult John the Baptist and Jesus together. John the Baptist has his traditional iconography of being barefoot with camel skin clothing, staff with cross and red cloak as well as gesturing toward Jesus. Jesus is standing humbly with his purple cloak. It is…
-
Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness
“Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness” (c. 1622) by Diego Velázquez. Velázquez is the most famous painter of the Spanish Golden Age and strongly influenced impressionism and realism in the 19th century.Growing up in Seville, Velazquez had not seen Caravaggio’s paintings first hand at the time he painted this piece. It is thought he…
-
Saint Romanus of Antioch and Saint Barulas
Francisco de Zurbarán’s “Saint Romanus of Antioch and Saint Barulas” (1638) depicts the martyr St. Romanus holding his tongue, which his tormentors cut out, while holding a book open to a page that begs God for intercession on behalf of the faithful. Looking up at him is 7 year old St. Barulas who was also…
-
Penitent St. Peter
“Penitent St. Peter” (c.1628) by Jusepe de Ribera. This piece truly captures Saint Peter’s intense sorrow and penitence through his detailed facial expression and teary eyes. Ribera’s masterful use of light and shadow draws attention to the saint’s face and hands, creating a dramatic contrast with the dark background. Pay attention to the symbolic elements,…
-
Holy Saturday
On this Holy Saturday, the Baroque Art Accessibility Consortium takes a look at some of moving and inspirational pieces of Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection. In room 211 at the @artinstitutechi you will find back on display this breathtaking piece by Francisco de Zurbarán. “The Crucifixion” (1627). The black background and amazing detail on Jesus’ body and loin…
-
St. Isidore of Seville
April 4th is the feast day of St. Isidore of Seville. St. Isidore was 7th century a scholar, bishop, and theologian. Known as the “last scholar of the ancient world,” he compiled the Etymologiae, an early encyclopedia. A key figure in preserving classical knowledge, he worked to unify Visigothic Spain under Catholicism. St. Isidore (c.1655)…
-
Feast of St. Joseph
March 19th is the Feast of St. Joseph, the earthly father and foster father of Jesus Christ, and the husband of the Virgin Mary. A humble carpenter by trade, Joseph is a key figure in the Nativity story, demonstrating unwavering faith and obedience to God’s will. Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream…
-
St. Blaise
February 3rd is the feast day of St. Blaise. He was a 4th-century bishop and martyr, is best known for his miraculous healing abilities, particularly in curing throat ailments. According to tradition, he was imprisoned and tortured for his faith but continued to perform miracles, even curing a child choking on a fish bone. The…
-
St. Vincent
In the United States, January 23 is the feast day of St. Vincent, Deacon and Martyr. St. Vincent is protomartyr (first martyr) of Spain. He died in 304 after being brutally tortured. On the left side of the painting you can see his hand on the millstone that they tied to him. They threw him…