The Birth of the Virgin (Murillo)

The French had hoped to confiscate The Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua, but the city council proposed to exchange that work for Birth and it was thus removed from the chapel.

This is one of the most important works in the artistic production of Murillo, who based himself on models of daily life in Andalusia to create the painting.

Apart from the presence of angels and the halo of the Virgin, there is no other clue showing that this is a painting with a religious theme.

At the same time, a source of light emanates which illuminates the whole scene, although Saint Anne remains in the shadows, incorporated in the bed.

The play of light that Murillo employs recalls the works of Rembrandt, which the painter may have admired in private collections.