Francisco de Zurbarán was a Spanish painter born in 1598 in Fuente de Cantos. He is best known for his religious works, particularly those depicting saints and monks, characterized by their dramatic use of light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro. Zurbarán's style is marked by a strong sense of realism and a focus on the spiritual aspects of his subjects. Throughout his career, Zurbarán created numerous altarpieces and paintings for monasteries and churches, earning him recognition as one of the leading artists of the Spanish Baroque period. His works often feature rich textures and a limited color palette, enhancing the solemnity of his themes. He passed away in 1664 in Seville.