Museo Nacional del Prado

DIEGO VELAZQUEZ was born in Seville and baptized at the church of St Peter on Sunday, June 6, 1599. He was a Spanish painter and the main artist in the court of King Philip IV. He studied under Francisco Pacheco, an artist from Seville who taught him proportion and perspective as well as the artistic trends present in Seville. Some experts say that Velazquez produced the most masterful pieces of art. His work dates back to the contemporary Baroque period, and he is famous for his portraits. He is sometimes referred to as “the painter of the truth.” Velazquez is well known for his paintings of the royal Spanish family including his masterpiece, Las Meninas, done in 1656. His works exhibit much attention to detail, and showcase the characters true personalities through visual techniques. Velazquez continued to produce beautiful pieces until his death in 1660.

My favorite piece from Velazquez in the Prado museum was El Cristo Crucificado, or The Crucified Christ. Painted around 1632, this painting of Christ on the Cross really caught my attention. The intense black background brings about a feeling of drama and sadness. Velazquez once studied the art of nude paintings, and this piece showcases his skills with much detail put into the frontal view of Jesus Christ. I could really sense the depression and fear in Christ’s eyes and the tension in his muscles. I am a religious person and have seen the image of Christ on the Cross numerous times however; Velazquez’s painting portrayed the sight in such a real and passionate manner.

 
FRANCISCO DE ZURBARAN was a Spanish painter born on November 7, 1598 in Fuente de Cantos, Spain. In 1614 his father sent him to Seville to study under Pedro Diaz de Villanueva for three years where he started his painting career at only 15 years of age. He is best known for his religious paintings and still life’s of monks, nuns, and martyrs. As a matter of fact, almost all of his works were of a religious nature, up until his death in 1664. He is sometimes referred to as the “Spanish Caravaggio” due to his skill in the realistic use of chiaroscuro, and his extreme sensibility to detail.

My favorite piece from Zurbaran at the Prado was the Apparition of the Apostle St. Peter to St. Peter Nolasco, or the Aparición del Apostol San Pedro a San Pedro Nolasco which was painted in 1629. I felt that this work was so unique. It showcases a man upside down on the cross, and an apostle bent down diagonally across from him. Zurbaran used light to add a sense of realism and to highlight the essence of the supernatural. It is said that the painting’s intent was to teach the faithful and show them the truth of faith. My interpretation is somewhat similar but I feel that Zurbaran tried to emphasize the fact that God is not as distant as we may think and that we need to stay true to our faith and recognize him in our everyday lives.

BARTOLOME ESTEBAN MURILLO was born in Seville, Spain in 1617 where he resided until his death in 1682. Murillo is considered to be one of the most important figures of Baroque painting in Spain. Most of his paintings are done in a religious manner and hold a sacred theme. However, he is also known for his detailed paintings of women and children. His works can be described as a lively and realistic portrayal of the everyday life of his time. In 1660, Murillo founded a painting academy which soon became regarded as a prestigious place of study. Over the years, Murillo held great influence in Spanish painting, and today is considered to be a great universal master.

My favorite piece from Murillo showcased at the Prado Museum was La Immaculada, or the Immaculate Conception, painted in 1678. This amazing piece shows the Virgin Mary surrounded by cherubs and angels migrating towards her. This was one of Murillo’s later works and is considered to be one of his most successful pieces. Murillo portrays her as a young girl about to enter womanhood, in a pure white robe, wearing a girdle with three knots to represent poverty, chastity and obedience. Her hands are folded in prayer giving her sweet and motherly characteristics. It is said that his intent was to bring before our eyes a vision of this holy woman existing from all eternity, floating in an infinite abyss of time and space. I believe that this goal was succeeded. I loved the detail put into the numerous angels to make them each unique, as well as the genuine look of love in Mary’s eyes.

References:
http://www.spanisharts.com/history/barroco/imagenes/zurbaran/nolasco.html

http://www.museodelprado.es/coleccion/
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/advent/feature-2002-12-day9.html
http://idlespeculations-terryprest.blogspot.com/2007/04/murillo-and-immaculate-conception.html