A Knight of Alcántara or Calatrava

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo

Created:
Movement:
1655
Baroque
key Notes:
Chivalric Portraiture, Spanish Baroque
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Dimensions:
Overall, with added strips, 77 x 43 3/4 in. (195.6 x 111.1 cm); original canvas 77 x 38 1/2 in. (195.6 x 97.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

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A Knight of Alcántara or Calatrava by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

Artist: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

Title: A Knight of Alcántara or Calatrava

Date: 1655

Medium: Oil on canvas

Artistic and Historical Context

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, a prominent Spanish Baroque painter, is renowned for his religious works and portraits, which often exhibit a warm, realistic style. "A Knight of Alcántara or Calatrava" exemplifies Murillo's skill in capturing the nobility and dignity of his subjects, reflecting the social and religious orders of 17th-century Spain. The painting is significant for its detailed representation of the knightly orders, which played a crucial role in Spanish history. Murillo's work is characterized by its soft, luminous quality and the use of chiaroscuro, which enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure. This painting contributes to Murillo's legacy as a master of portraiture, showcasing his ability to convey both the physical likeness and the inner character of his subjects. Murillo's influence extends beyond his lifetime, impacting the development of Spanish art and inspiring future generations of artists.

Description of the work:

"A Knight of Alcántara or Calatrava" by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, created in 1655, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Baroque style with its dramatic use of light and shadow. The artwork depicts a noble figure adorned with the insignia of either the Order of Alcántara or Calatrava, reflecting Murillo's skill in portraiture and attention to detail.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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A Knight of Alcántara or Calatrava