Francisco de Zurbarán (1598 - 1664) was a Spanish Baroque painter. He mastered a naturalistic style and the majority of his work followed religious themes because he mainly worked for monastic orders. Many of Zurbarán’s theologically inspired paintings are emotionally compelling, yet simple, works that showcase his skilled use of light and shadow, as well as his naturalistic style. Zurbarán studied painting while he was still a teenager. After his training it never took him a long time before he began creating pieces for monasteries in Spain. And within a short time, he also started sending his paintings to the New World. The artist moved to the town of Llerena, near Fuente de Cantos in 1617. Here, he got married to María Páez, and worked for years as a freelance artist. María died in 1623, and following her death, Zurbarán married a second wife called Beatriz de Morales in 1625. Beatriz had money and family connections that were a boon to Zurbarán’s career, enabling him to return to Seville. His career was at its peak in the 1630s. But about 10 years later, the monasteries offered fewer commissions, thus his opportunities were reduced. With his domestic market in the decline, he turned his attention to the New World and exported a number of canvases. In the 1650s, he once again focused on Seville but he could no longer command the high fees he once had. His fortunes may have dwindled but today his best pieces still put him on spotlight as a leading painter from the Spanish Baroque period. And that’s why framed Francisco de Zurbarán art are popular to date!