Saint Justa and Saint Rufina facts for kids
Saint Justa and Saint Rufina is a famous oil painting by the Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. He created this artwork around the year 1666. Today, you can see this beautiful painting at the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville in Spain.
About the Painting
This painting was made to decorate the church of the Capuchin Convent in Seville. It shows two important sister saints, Justa and Rufina. They are special because they are the patron saints of the Seville Cathedral.
Who Were Saint Justa and Saint Rufina?
Saint Justa and Saint Rufina were two sisters from Seville. They lived a long time ago and were known for their strong faith. They worked as potters, making things from clay. This is why you can see clay pots on the ground in the painting. They are also shown with a martyr's palm, which is a symbol for saints who died for their beliefs.
Why Are They Important to Seville?
The people of Seville believe that Saint Justa and Saint Rufina helped save the Giralda. The Giralda is the famous bell-tower of the Seville Cathedral. It used to be a minaret from an old mosque. Seville has had many earthquakes over the years. People believed that the sisters protected the Giralda during a big earthquake in 1504. Because of this, they are shown holding a small model of the Giralda in the painting. They are seen as protectors of the city and its cathedral.
