Herrera, Francisco, the Elder

(born c. 1590, Sevilla, Spain—died Dec. 1656, Madrid) Spanish painter. His early works are in the Mannerist style. Under the influence of Francisco Zurbar, he developed the naturalistic style seen in his four scenes from the life of St. Bonaventure (1627). About 1650 he moved to Madrid. His last documented work, a painting of St. Joseph (1648) influenced by Anthony Van Dyck, features elongated forms and elaborate draperies. He achieved considerable fame in Sevilla, where Diego Vel was briefly his pupil. His work marked the transition from Mannerism to the Baroque. His son, Francisco Herrera the Younger, worked as a painter and architect.

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