Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682) was a prominent Spanish Baroque painter, renowned for his religious works, genre scenes, and portraits that depict the everyday life and culture of 17th-century Spain. Born in Seville, Murillo began his artistic training under Juan del Castillo, a local artist, and was heavily influenced by both the naturalism of Spanish Baroque and the luminous style of Flemish and Venetian painting. His early works display a strong tenebrism—dramatic use of light and shadow influenced by Caravaggio—but he later developed a softer style characterized by warm colors, delicate brushwork, and a serene, almost ethereal quality that became his hallmark.
Murillo is best known for his religious paintings, particularly his depictions of the Immaculate Conception, the Madonna and Child, and various saints. His religious scenes are notable for their tender, approachable depictions of divine figures, often featuring gentle expressions, luminous color palettes, and dynamic compositions that convey both spiritual grace and human emotion. He also painted genre scenes, or "costumbrismo," depicting street children, flower girls, and beggars in a realistic yet compassionate manner, which provides a glimpse into the social life of 17th-century Spain. His works were immensely popular in his lifetime, and he received numerous commissions from churches, monasteries, and private patrons.
Murillo's influence extended beyond Spain, affecting artists across Europe, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Spanish art history. His works are housed in many major collections, including the Museo del Prado in Madrid, the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, and the Louvre in Paris, where they continue to be admired for their emotional warmth, technical brilliance, and spiritual depth.
- Full Name: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
- Birth and Death: 1617–1682
- Profession: Painter
- Influences: Spanish Baroque, Caravaggio, Flemish and Venetian painting
- Legacy: Renowned for his religious paintings and genre scenes; works are held in major collections like the Museo del Prado in Madrid, the Hermitage Museum, and the Louvre in Paris.