The Defence of Cádiz Against the English facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Defence of CádizAgainst the English |
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| Artist | Francisco de Zurbarán |
| Year | 1634 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 302 cm × 323 cm (119 in × 127 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
The Defence of Cádiz is a famous painting by Francisco de Zurbarán. It shows a moment in history when Spain was getting ready to defend the city of Cádiz. This was during a time when English forces were planning to attack. The painting is now kept in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
About the Painting
This artwork was painted in 1634. It is an oil painting on a large canvas. The full name of the painting is The Defence of Cádiz Against the English. It is also sometimes called The Hostile Landing of the English near Cádiz in 1625 Under the Command of the Earl of Leicester.
What the Painting Shows
The painting captures the tension just before the English arrived. It shows the Spanish people preparing their defenses. In the front, on the left side, you can see the city's governor, Fernando Girón. He is giving orders to his officers, including Diego Ruiz. In the background, you can see the English troops. They are landing near a fort called El Puntal in the Bay of Cádiz. The English attack was led by Edward Cecil in 1625.
Who Painted It?
The artist of this painting is Francisco de Zurbarán. He was a very important Spanish painter from the 17th century. For a while, people thought another artist, Eugenio Caxés, painted it. But now we know for sure it was Zurbarán.
Where It Was First Displayed
The Defence of Cádiz was made for a special place. It was part of a big art project for the Hall of Realms. This hall was in the Buen Retiro Palace in Madrid. Many famous paintings were created for this hall. For example, Velázquez's The Surrender of Breda was also there. Another painting was The Recovery of Bahía de Todos los Santos by Maino. Zurbarán also painted ten pictures about the Labours of Hercules for the same hall. All these paintings are now in the Prado Museum.
