The Virgin of the Rosary 1650

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo painted "The Virgin of the Rosary" in oil paint, using canvas as his support. Look closely at the painting. The Virgin’s robes are a striking red, contrasting with the deep blue of her underdress, and the smooth pale skin of the figures. The painting demonstrates Murillo’s masterful use of sfumato, creating soft, hazy forms, and his skill in layering pigment to achieve subtle gradations of color and tone. Murillo's artistic process involved a meticulous layering of paint, a technique honed through years of training and practice. The layering of paint, and the use of glazes created depth and luminosity in the colors, enhancing the painting's realism and emotional impact. Murillo was a master of his craft. By considering the materials, the techniques, and the social context of its creation, we gain a deeper understanding of the painting’s significance, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.