Francisco de Zurbarán, baptized on November 7, 1598, and deceased on August 27, 1664, was a renowned Spanish painter who earned the nickname ""Spanish Caravaggio"" for his exceptional use of chiaroscuro. Primarily known for his religious paintings of monks, nuns, and martyrs, as well as his still-lifes, Zurbarán developed a distinctive style characterized by severe compositions, dramatic lighting, and precisely rendered draperies, particularly white fabrics. Born in Extremadura, he apprenticed in Seville under Pedro Díaz de Villanueva before establishing himself as a prominent artist through major commissions for religious institutions. His career flourished when he was appointed painter to King Philip IV around 1630, with the monarch reportedly calling him ""Painter to the king, king of painters."" Although his reputation declined after 1640 as tastes shifted toward Murillo's softer style, Zurbarán's workshop produced many works for export to South America. His artistic influences included Juan Sánchez Cotán and the polychrome sculpture tradition of Seville, particularly Juan Martínez Montañés. Despite moving to Madrid late in life seeking work, Zurbarán died with a substantial estate, contrary to myths of poverty. The father of painter Juan de Zurbarán, Francisco created a legacy of austere beauty and spiritual intensity that remains significant in Spanish Baroque art.