Thomas of Villanova giving alms to the poors 1678

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo's painting "Thomas of Villanova Giving Alms to the Poor," now in the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville, presents a composition rich in both shadow and light. Predominantly, we observe a palette of muted earth tones, punctuated by the stark white of Thomas's mitre and the outstretched hands of the impoverished. The painting's structure emphasizes a descending diagonal, from the imposing architectural backdrop to the figures kneeling in supplication. This arrangement directs our gaze downwards, inviting contemplation on the themes of charity and humility. Murillo masterfully manipulates light to create depth, casting strong shadows that delineate the figures and amplify their emotional weight. The painting functions as a semiotic system, using visual symbols to convey complex moral ideas. The bishop’s garments and crosier signify authority and divine grace, while the tattered clothes of the poor symbolize human suffering and dependency. These visual contrasts invite ongoing interpretation of power, compassion, and social responsibility.