Artwork
The Foundation of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The Patrician recounts his Dream to the Pope

The Foundation of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The Patrician recounts his Dream to the Pope is an oil painting by the Spanish Baroque Tenebrist artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. It dates from 1664 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Painted in 1664 by Spanish Baroque artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, *The Foundation of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The Patrician recounts his Dream to the Pope* is an oil painting housed in the Louvre Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a pivotal moment in the founding of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where a patrician shares a dream with the Pope, surrounded by key figures. The scene conveys the patrician's fervor through expressive gestures.
Technique & Style
Characteristic of the Spanish Baroque tenebrist movement, the work employs strong chiaroscuro, emphasizing contrasts between light and dark to create depth and emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1664, the painting's history prior to its current residence in the Louvre Museum is not detailed here, highlighting the need for further research into its provenance.
Context
Part of Murillo's religious oeuvre, this painting reflects the artist's ability to balance spiritual themes with the everyday, a hallmark of his contribution to Baroque art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo ( mure-IL-oh, m(y)uu-REE-oh, Spanish: ; late December 1617, baptised 1 January 1618 – 3 April 1682) was a Spanish Baroque painter.



















