Battle between Christians and Muslims at El Sotillo
The Met
Artist: Francisco de Zurbarán(Spanish, Fuente de Cantos 1598–1664 Madrid)
Date: ca. 1637–39
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: Arched top, 131 7/8 x 75 1/4 in. (335 x 191.1 cm)
Credit Line: Kretschmar Fund, 1920
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Crowned woman holding a child above a battle scene with soldiers, horses, and a pointing man
Detailed Description
This vertical, arched-top painting is divided into two main sections: an upper scene and a lower scene. The upper section features a crowned woman dressed in blue and pink robes, holding a nude infant. They are surrounded by golden clouds and several small, winged figures, with a bright light emanating from behind them. The infant reaches out with both arms, while the woman gazes downwards. The middle section transitions into a dark, forested landscape. On the left, a small, light-colored building is nestled among the trees. Several dark, angled spears or pikes extend downwards from the upper left, pointing towards the scene below. The lower section depicts a battle with numerous soldiers on horseback. The soldiers wear armor and carry various weapons, while their horses are in dynamic poses, galloping and rearing. The ground is a dark green-brown. In the lower left foreground, a large man in dark brown clothing and a wide-brimmed hat stands, holding a long staff or pike. He has a mustache and points with his right hand towards the battle. Another man, partially visible, is in the lower right foreground, also holding a staff. The overall palette is rich and dark, with a strong contrast between the luminous upper scene and the somber lower scene.
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