Blessed John Houghton

This painting by Zurbarán is characterised by the precision of the drawing, the chiaroscuro which surpassed the Tenebrism and a wonderful colour application. In the foreground, there are numerous figures subjected to a light which is strongly ; contrasted with the shades, in which the colour is spread over large surfaces, achieving a feeling of volume and a monumental character. Zurbarán knew like no one else how to express the meaning of monastic religiousness. The Blessed John Houghton was one of the Carthusians who decorated the aisle of the side chapel of the Carthusian monastery of Jerez. These boards form one of the best series by the artist.