Francisco de Zurbarán

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by Francisco de Zurbarán, circa 1627

by Francisco de Zurbarán, 1630–1634

Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 80 5/8 × 44 5/8 in (204.79 × 113.35 cm)
Credits: Milwaukee Art Museum, Purchase M1958.70. Photo by John R. Glembin
Notes: This somber, haunting image of the ascetic Saint Francis typifies the work of one of Spain’s most important Golden Age painters. As is characteristic, Zurbarán depicted the saint alone, in a dark, featureless space, and lit his humble, homespun monk’s robe with dramatic, raking light that also catches on the upturned skull he holds as well as his left foot, which seems to stride into the viewer’s space. Saint Francis was of particular significance to Spain’s monastic communities, which were deeply impacted by the Counter-Reformation. This work was commissioned for Don Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares, who was a high-ranking nobleman, close advisor of King Philip IV, and ultimately Prime Minister of Spain (1621–1643).
Location: Milwaukee Art Museum

by Francisco de Zurbarán, 1630

Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 65 1/16 x 82 3/16 in. (165.3 x 208.8 cm)
Credits: Cincinnati Art Museum. Gift of Mary Hanna, Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Taft and Mr. Stevenson Scott in memory of Charles Frederick Fowles.
Location: Cincinnati Art Museum

by Francisco de Zurbarán, circa 1630

Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 71 x 44 1/2 in.
Credits: Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Michigan State University, purchase, funded by the MSU Development Fund; Motor Wheel Corp.; Michigan National Bank; J.W. Knapp Co.; Gladys Olds Anderson; Mr. and Mrs. James F. Anderton; Mr. and Mrs. Harold F. Gross; Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Lindell; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Stoddard; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence S. Roe
Location: MSU Broad Art Museum