Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was a Spanish painter and one of the leading artists of the Baroque age in Seville. Born around 1617, he became famous for warm, tender religious paintings, especially images of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Family bathed in a glowing light. His sweet, approachable style made him hugely popular and influential.

He also painted charming, sympathetic scenes of street children and beggars, giving dignity and humanity to the poor of his city. His delicate technique and warm feeling won him great fame across Europe for generations. Murillo remains one of the most beloved Spanish painters, admired for the tenderness and gentle beauty of his work.