Saint Hugo in the refectory

Zurbarán’s painting depicts the miracle in which meat was turned into ash and for which the Carthusian monks decided to maintain perpetual abstinence from eating meat. The composition is divided into three planes: the first is reserved for the page and Saint Hugo, the second for the symbolic lunch and the last for the seven friars behind a table where a still life is recreated. Above their heads rests a painting of the Virgin, the child and Saint John the Baptist, patron saints of the order. The page’s clothing is interesting as it situates the work chronologically, as the Italian-style collar, the long doublet and breeches and the small volume date from 1635. Zurbarán’s balanced composition is notable for the exquisite use of the various shades of white.

Collection: Images

Project: 11. Science and culture as representation in Europe.

Chronology: XVII

Scope: Secondary education, Baccalaureate, University

Link: http://ceres.mcu.es/pages/Viewer?accion=4&AMuseo=MBASE&Ninv=CE0174P

Resource type: Image

Format: Oil on canvas (262 x 307 cm)

Source: Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla (Sevilla)

Language: Spanish

Date: ca. 1655

Owner: Álvaro Romero González (Modernalia)