Francisco de Zurbarán
(1598 –1664)

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Francisco de Zurbarán was a Spanish painter, who focused on religious themes and is sometimes compared to the Italian painter Caravaggio for his masterful use of chiaroscuro. While most of his paintings depict monks, nuns and saints, Zurbarán also painted still lifes.

Zurbarán was born in Fuente de Cantos in Extremadura, Spain. As a child, Zurbarán frequently made charcoal drawings of his village. In 1614, his father noticed his artistic talent and sent him to Seville to work for the painter, Pedro Diaz de Villanueva.

The influences of Caravaggio, Juan Martínez Montañes and Juan Sánchez Cotán can be seen in Zurbarán’s work. After only a short amount of time in Seville, Zurbarán’s skill succeeded that of his tutors.

Zurbarán painted form observation, using elaborate tapestries and lighting in his compositions. His elaborate set-ups created dramatic settings for his religious pieces.

Zurbarán spent many years building his career in Seville, where he also married and fathered children. It was not until 1630, that Zurbarán received the title of court painter for Phillp IV. For the next two decades, Zurbarán's reputation grew.

In 1658, Zurbarán began to fade from the spotlight, forcing him to search for more work in Madrid. Zurbarán struggled to find commissions or attention from the court. Zurbarán died in a state of poverty.

Despite Zurbarán’s sad ending, he painted numerous pieces of importance during his lifetime. Zurbarán’s paintings are now in major collections in Madrid and London, among other cities. Do you think you own a painting by Zurbarán? Contact us. We are the Zurbarán experts.