The artistic output of Francisco Herrera the Elder represents a significant departure from the rigid Italian traditions that dominated seventeenth-century Spanish painting. As a pioneer of a bold, vigorous, and naturalistic technique, he moved beyond the timid styles prevalent in his native Seville to influence the trajectory of his contemporaries through innovative brushwork and dramatic composition.
Artistic Development and Technique
Born in Seville in 1576, Herrera received instruction from Francisco Pacheco. He gained distinction for his unconventional approach, notably through the pioneering use of long brushes, which facilitated a modern and dexterous application of pigment. His smaller oil paintings frequently captured intimate scenes of Spanish life, including village fairs and inn interiors, while his large-scale works remained primarily religious in scope. His mastery of depth and relief allowed his figures to maintain a notable physical presence.
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Herrera established a prominent school in Seville, attracting numerous pupils, including Ignacio de Iriarte and a young Diego Velázquez. Despite his influence, his volatile temperament led to the departure of many students. Beyond his work as a painter, he was a skilled printmaker and an accomplished worker in bronze, noted for his ability to engrave medals with precision. This specific skill led to allegations of counterfeiting, forcing him to seek sanctuary at the Jesuit College. During this period, he produced 'The Triumph of St. Hermengild', a painting that ultimately led to his pardon and subsequent return to his professional pursuits.
Major Works and Legacy
Many of his religious commissions continue to be held in major institutions and ecclesiastical locations. 'The Last Judgment' for the Church of San Bernardo in Seville is considered his masterpiece, while 'Moses Smiting the Rock' in the Madrid archiepiscopal palace exemplifies his dramatic flair. Further works, such as 'St. Basil dictating his doctrine', reside in the Louvre, with additional pieces held in the Dresden Gallery and the Kunsthistorische Museum in Vienna. He relocated to Madrid in 1650, where he remained until his death in 1656.
Fast facts
- Born: 1576, Seville, Spain
- Died: 1656, Madrid, Spain
- Occupations: Painter and printmaker
- Notable Masterpiece: The Last Judgment, Church of San Bernardo
- Technique Innovation: First to use long brushes
Questions readers ask
Why is he referred to as the Elder?
The moniker El viejo was used to distinguish him from his son, Francisco Herrera the Younger, who was also a painter.
What subjects did Herrera typically paint?
His large works were predominantly religious, while his smaller easel paintings often depicted scenes of daily life, such as dances and inn interiors.
