The Virgin Mary as a Child Praying facts for kids
The Virgin Mary as a Child Praying is a famous painting created by the Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán between 1658 and 1660. This beautiful artwork is now kept in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia. The painting shows the Virgin Mary when she was a young girl, deep in prayer.
This painting has a similar theme to another work by Zurbarán called The Young Virgin, which is displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Zurbarán finished The Virgin Mary as a Child Praying in Madrid just a few years before he passed away.
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Who was Francisco de Zurbarán?
Francisco de Zurbarán was a very important Spanish painter from the Baroque period. He lived from 1598 to 1664. He is best known for his religious paintings, which often show monks, nuns, and martyrs. His art is famous for its strong use of light and shadow, which makes his figures look very real and dramatic. This style is called Chiaroscuro.
Zurbarán was born in Extremadura, Spain, and later moved to Seville, where he became a very successful artist. He painted many artworks for churches, monasteries, and even for the King of Spain.
What is the Baroque Art Style?
The Baroque art style was popular in Europe from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century. It is known for being very dramatic, emotional, and grand. Baroque artists used rich colors, strong contrasts between light and dark, and lots of movement to create powerful feelings in their art. This style was often used in religious paintings to inspire awe and devotion.
Where is the Hermitage Museum?
The Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. It is located in St Petersburg, Russia. The museum was founded in 1764 by Empress Catherine the Great. It has a huge collection of over three million items, including paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts.
The main building of the Hermitage Museum is the Winter Palace, which was once the official residence of the Russian emperors. It is a stunning example of Baroque architecture itself!
Why is this Painting Important?
The Virgin Mary as a Child Praying is important because it shows Zurbarán's skill in painting religious subjects with great feeling and detail. It also gives us a glimpse into how artists in the 17th century imagined important religious figures. The painting's quiet mood and the way light falls on the young Mary make it a very special piece of art.
See also
In Spanish: Virgen niña rezando (Zurbarán) para niños
