Francisco de Zurbarán. Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose

The Prado Museum is exhibiting Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose by Francisco de Zurbarán in Hall 10A, from 19 March to 30 June. This excellent painting is considered to be one of the essential works and masterpieces in the history of still lifes in Europe. 

It is on loan from the Norton Simon Museum and the exhibition is curated by Javier Portús.  The only still life signed by Zurbarán forms part of the Invited Work programme, which has been backed by the Friends of the Prado Museum Foundation since 2010. The main focus of the project is enhancing the public’s experience through a comparative perspective that invites reflection on the Prado collection.

From Extremadura, Francisco de Zurbarán is considered to be one of the leading painters of the Spanish Baroque period. The 1920 discovery of this painting which is now on display contributed significantly to the reconstruction of the painter’s catalogue.  The artist from Extremadura stands out for his ability to emphasise the mysticism of the characters portrayed through the duality of lights and shadows.  He faithfully portrays nature through simplicity and truthfulness, using the luminous effects of Caravaggesque origin in order to achieve the sculptural nature of each form.

Image Credit:

Francisco de Zurbarán. Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose (signed in 1633). Pasadena, The Norton Simon Foundation, F.1972.06.P