The Virgin and Child with St. Rosalina 1670

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo created "The Virgin and Child with St. Rosalina," now at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, using oil on canvas. The composition is marked by a soft, idealized realism that seeks to engage the viewer's emotions. Murillo’s deployment of colour, composition and light constructs a devotional and deeply human image. See how the figures form a pyramid shape, with the Virgin at its apex, surrounded by lighter tones that contrast with the darker lower segments. The light appears to emanate from the figures themselves, emphasizing their divine status. The angels above blend into the clouds, diminishing their physical presence to emphasize the spiritual quality. Note also the naturalistic depiction of the figures and the folds of drapery that draw the eye into the painting's narrative. Murillo masterfully utilizes the Baroque aesthetic to evoke a sense of divine tenderness. This work reflects the period’s emphasis on emotional engagement and spiritual ecstasy. His visual treatment of the subject matter invites contemplation.