The Christ Child and the Infant John the Baptist with a Shell facts for kids
The Christ Child and the Infant John the Baptist with a Shell is a famous painting by the Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. It is also known as The Holy Children with a Shell, or Los Niños de la concha in Spanish. This beautiful oil painting was created between 1670 and 1675. Today, you can see it at the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The painting shows two important figures from the Bible as young children: Jesus (the Christ Child) and John the Baptist. They are playing together, and John is offering Jesus water from a shell. This artwork is one of Murillo's most loved pieces. Many copies were made of it, both as prints and on plates.
About the Painting
This artwork captures a sweet moment between the young Jesus and John the Baptist. They are shown in a natural setting, perhaps a garden. John the Baptist is holding a shell, offering water to Jesus. This scene highlights their special connection even from a young age.
Murillo was known for painting religious scenes in a very human and gentle way. He often painted children, making them look very real and innocent. This painting is a great example of his skill in showing emotion and light.
History of the Painting
This painting has a long and interesting history. It was first officially recorded in 1746. At that time, it was part of the art collection of Elisabeth Farnese. She was the Queen of Spain and owned many beautiful artworks. The painting was kept in her collection at the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso in Segovia.
By 1766, the painting had moved to the bedroom of Infante Luis, a Spanish prince, in the same palace. Later, in 1794, it was recorded in the kings' bedroom at the Palacio de Aranjuez in Madrid. From 1814 to 1818, it was kept at the Palacio Real in Madrid. Eventually, it became part of the collection at the Prado Museum, where it is still enjoyed by many visitors today.
See also
In Spanish: Los niños de la concha para niños
