Artwork
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Francisco de Zurbarán. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
The work shows the queen‑saint in the legendary “miracle of the roses,” when she turned hidden bread into roses to give to the poor.
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal is an oil painting by the Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán, dated around 1635. The work shows the queen‑saint in the legendary “miracle of the roses,” when she turned hidden bread into roses to give to the poor. Zurbarán painted this scene on canvas, and the piece has been hanging in Madrid’s Prado Museum since 1818. If you’re curious about more of his work, check out the artist: Francisco de Zurbarán.
Overview
Francisco de Zurbarán's painting, Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, rendered in oil on canvas around 1630–1635, portrays the revered queen-saint. The artwork captures a pivotal moment from her life, illustrating the legendary "miracle of the roses." This scene highlights her renowned compassion and charitable acts, for which she was widely celebrated during her lifetime.
Subject & Meaning
The painting centers on Saint Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Peter III of Aragon and consort to Denis of Portugal. She was widely known for her profound generosity towards the less fortunate. The depicted miracle unfolds as Elizabeth, questioned by her husband about concealed items, reveals that the bread she intended for the poor has miraculously transformed into a bouquet of roses.
History & Provenance
This work by Zurbarán has been a part of the collection at the Prado Museum in Madrid since the early 19th century. Acquired in 1818, the painting has remained a significant piece within the museum's holdings, contributing to its extensive representation of Spanish Golden Age art. Its long tenure at the Prado underscores its historical and artistic value.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Francisco de Zurbarán was a Spanish Baroque painter. He is known primarily for his religious paintings depicting monks, nuns, and martyrs, and for his still-lifes. Zurbarán gained the nickname "Spanish Caravaggio",…
