Immaculate Conception (1632) by Francisco de Zurbarán

Francisco de Zurbarán (1598–1664), Spanish, Francisco de Zurbarán, a pivotal figure of the Spanish Golden Age, was born on November 7, 1598, in Fuente de Cantos, Badajoz, Spain. His artistic journey began in 1614 when he apprenticed under Pedro Díaz de Villanueva in Seville, marking the start of a career that would see him become one of the most revered religious painters of his time. Zurbarán's work is celebrated for its profound realism, particularly in the depiction of textures and the humanization of saintly figures, set against dark backgrounds in his early works and later against more luminous landscapes. His unique palette, characterized by harmonious blends of pinks, mauves, greens, and striking whites, contributed to a distinctive style that combined the earthly with the divine.
Despite his mastery in capturing the tactile and the spiritual, Zurbarán faced criticism for his limited grasp of perspective and dynamic composition. His personal life saw him marry María Páez in 1617, with whom he had three children, including Juan de Zurbarán, a promising painter who died young. Zurbarán's legacy is a testament to his ability to infuse religious scenes with a palpable sense of humanity and silence, making him a cornerstone of Counter-Reformation art in Spain. He passed away in Madrid on August 27, 1664, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate with its emotional depth and technical brilliance.