Francisco Meneses Osorio facts for kids

Francisco Meneses Osorio (1630–1705) was a Spanish painter. He was born in Seville, Spain, and probably died there too. Not much is known about his life.

He was a student and follower of the famous painter Murillo. Some people even think that Osorio painted some artworks that were later thought to be by Murillo himself.

A Friend of Murillo

Murillo considered Osorio his friend. Osorio also worked closely with another artist named Juan Garzon. He was important in the art world of Seville. At one point, he was the secretary of the Academy of Seville. Later, he even became its president.

Osorio had a great reputation as a painter during his lifetime. However, after he died, some people questioned his work. They said his copies of Murillo's paintings were so good that they looked like the originals. It was even suggested that two of his copies were accepted as real Murillo paintings.

Some Spanish writers, though, said these claims were just attempts to make Osorio look bad. Osorio and Murillo are also believed to have worked together. They painted in the Capuchin church in Cadiz.

His Artworks

Osorio's most important painting was for the church of Saint Martin in Madrid. This artwork shows the Prophet Elijah.

You can find other paintings by Osorio in museums. There are some in Cadiz and Seville. The painting in Seville is about the Order of St. Francis. A painting of Saint Catherine in Cadiz was very special to St. Philip Neri. It was even buried in the church named after that saint.