The Aranjuez Immaculate Conception 1678

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's "The Aranjuez Immaculate Conception" (1678), a prominent example of Spanish Baroque art, depicts the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven amidst a cloud of cherubs. The piece, now housed in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, showcases Murillo's signature soft lighting and delicate brushstrokes, creating a sense of celestial wonder. The composition, with its swirling clouds and angelic figures, emphasizes Mary's divine purity and her role as the Immaculate Conception. This masterpiece was commissioned by King Charles II, reflecting the intense religious devotion that characterized the Spanish Golden Age.