Saint Benedict 1640 - 1645

"Saint Benedict" is an oil-on-canvas painting by Spanish Baroque artist Francisco de Zurbarán, created between 1640 and 1645. The painting depicts Saint Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism, standing in a rugged landscape. He holds a small, white jug in his right hand, a symbol of his simple life. Zurbarán, known for his realistic depictions of religious figures and his use of chiaroscuro (strong contrasts of light and dark), paints Saint Benedict with remarkable detail, emphasizing his austere, contemplative nature. This artwork is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.