Saint Leander of Seville 1655

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo painted "Saint Leander of Seville" in Seville, Spain, during the 17th century. Here, Murillo depicts the Archbishop Leander of Seville, who played a crucial role in converting the Visigothic kings to Catholicism. In this image, Leander holds a document with the words "Credite o Gothi," or "Believe, oh Goths," a direct reference to his efforts in religious conversion. Painted during Spain's Golden Age, this work reflects the period's strong Catholic identity and the Church's influence. Commissioned for the Seville Cathedral, the painting is a statement of the power of the Catholic church, and a reminder of Spain's religious history. Art historians consult historical texts, religious documents, and studies of Spanish Golden Age society to better understand the artwork’s meaning. By studying these kinds of historical resources, we understand how art is shaped by specific social and institutional contexts.