- Year Born/Died: 1598-1664
- City Born: Fuente de Cantos
- Significant Works: Christ on the Cross, Saint Serapion, Agnus Dei
- Movement: Baroque, Caravaggisti
Francisco de Zurbarán was among the most influential Spanish artist of the Golden Age. He rose to prominence after receiving his first order from the local Dominican monastery. Shortly after, he was named royal painter by King Philip IV, a position he held for several years.
The skillful utilization of chiaroscuro distinguishes Francisco’s style. This technique exploits stark contrasts between dark and light to add dimension to a painting.
Nobody knows if Francisco de Zurbarán had the chance to view Caravaggio’s works, but the similarities are startling. They both painted straight from nature on the canvas, eschewing the customary sketches of the period.
