Tag: Francisco de Zurbaran

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Art Collection Curatorial European

From the Collection: Francisco de Zurbarán’s “Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb”

Man in brown hooded robe looking down at a skull in his hands
Francisco de Zurbarán (Spanish, 1598–1664), Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb, 1630/34 (detail). Oil on canvas. Milwaukee Art Museum, Purchase. Photo by John R. Glembin

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s painting by Francisco de Zurbarán (Spanish, 1598–1664), Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb, has been popular with museum goers since it entered the collection in 1958. This is probably not surprising, since Zurbarán’s work is infused with a humanity that connects instantly with viewers.

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Art

From the Collection: Francisco de Zurbarán’s “St. Francis”

Man in brown hooded robe looking down at a skull in his hands
Francisco de Zurbarán, Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb, ca. 1630/34 (detail). Purchase M1958.70. Photo credit John Nienhuis, Dedra Walls
Francisco de Zurbarán, Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb, ca. 1630/34. Purchase M1958.70. Photo credit John Nienhuis, Dedra Walls

Ever wondered what it’s like to experience a religious epiphany? Just walk into Gallery 6 and look to Francisco de Zurbarán’s St. Francis of Assisi in His Tomb, one of the great masterpieces in the Museum’s Collection. St. Francis towers above us in a massive, stark painting, lit only by unseen torchlight, his face hidden and a skull cradled in his palms. The space is unclear, the colors muted. He is monumental, and walks towards us: his foot pokes out of his robes, entering into our space. When I stand in front of this painting, I always feel like I should take a step back and get out of his way.

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