The artist shows his skill here in producing simple compositions centring on the study of expression, the reproduction of textures and the interplay of whites and greys.
The Apostle Saint Peter appears to Saint Peter Nolasco to console him on not being able to travel to Rome to visit his tomb and to advise him to continue his apostolic work in Spain. It is one of the most important episodes in the life of the founder of the Mercedarian Order of Our Lady of Mercy. Zubarán painted a wide series of canvases for the convent in Seville, including the “Vision of Saint Peter Nolasco”.
It is a work from Zubarán’s early career stage and is signed and dated in the centre of the lower section, next to the saint’s habit. It was ceded in 1821 by Dean López Cepero to King Ferdinand VII, who gave it to the Prado Museum.
Details of the work
Origin
Royal Collection
Object
Painting
Dimensions
179 cm x 223 cm
Technique
Oil on canvas