The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew (Murillo) facts for kids
The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew is a famous oil painting created by the Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. He painted it between 1675 and 1682. Today, you can see this important artwork at the Museo del Prado in Spain.
The painting's style and feeling were greatly inspired by other well-known artists. Murillo looked at the work of Peter Paul Rubens, especially Rubens' own painting of the same subject, The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew. He also took ideas from de Ribera's painting, The Martyrdom of Saint Philip.
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Who Was Saint Andrew?
Saint Andrew was one of the twelve original apostles of Jesus Christ. He was the brother of Saint Peter, another very important apostle. Andrew was a fisherman before he became a follower of Jesus.
Andrew's Life and Beliefs
Andrew is known for being the first apostle to follow Jesus. He then introduced his brother Peter to Jesus. He traveled to many places, including Greece and Asia Minor, to share the Christian message.
What Does "Martyrdom" Mean?
The word "martyrdom" refers to the death of a person who is killed because of their religious beliefs. For Christians, a martyr is someone who dies for their faith. Saint Andrew was martyred, meaning he died for being a Christian.
About the Painting
Murillo's painting shows the moment Saint Andrew was martyred. According to tradition, Saint Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which is now often called a Saint Andrew's Cross.
The Scene in the Painting
In the painting, you can see Saint Andrew on the cross. The scene is dramatic and full of emotion. Murillo used light and shadow to make the figures stand out and to create a powerful feeling.
Murillo's Artistic Style
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was a very important Spanish painter from the Baroque period. He was known for his religious paintings, especially those showing saints and the Virgin Mary. His work often has a soft, gentle quality, but he could also create very powerful and emotional scenes like this one.
Where to See the Painting
The painting The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew is displayed at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. The Prado Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world, holding many masterpieces of European art.
See also
- In Spanish: El martirio de San Andrés (Murillo) para niños
