Self-portrait

Francisco de Zurbarán

Spanish · 1598–1664

Baroque

Spanish Baroque painter whose devotional works for Seville's monasteries achieved a severe, contemplative intensity. Known for single figures of saints rendered in brilliant white against deep shadow, his still lifes and altarpieces display a sculptural clarity and spiritual gravity that influenced later generations, including Chardin and Manet.

On now and coming soon exhibitions

Zurbarán

Until Aug 23

First ever UK exhibition of Zurbarán: altarpieces, still lifes and monastic robes from Seville

"The word 'visionary' is done to death but the 17th-century Spanish painter Francisco de Zurbarán demands it: he paints supernatural things naturally and natural things supernaturally. Space becomes different in his world, melting distance and erasing the barrier between you and the picture."

— The Guardian