Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was born in Seville, Spain, in 1617 and became one of the most celebrated painters of the Spanish Baroque. He trained locally and developed a style that combined realism with warmth and gentle idealization. Murillo is best known for his religious paintings, especially tender depictions of the Virgin Mary and scenes of the Immaculate Conception. His works are marked by soft light, rich color, and a strong emotional appeal.

In addition to religious subjects, Murillo painted genre scenes showing everyday life, often featuring children and the poor of Seville. These works reveal a compassionate and human approach uncommon in formal religious art of the time. Murillo enjoyed great success during his lifetime and received many important commissions. He helped establish Seville as a major artistic center in 17th-century Spain. Murillo died in 1682. His paintings remained influential for centuries and continue to be admired for their grace and accessibility.