In Depth

Discovering Murillo: The Great Painter of Sentiment

Why did Seville-born Bartolomé Estéban Murillo (1618-82) become so popular in the latter part of the 1800s? Partly because he painted the most beautiful and sentimental Madonnas of his era. But the very reason behind his success caused him to fall out of favor with critics during most of the 20th century. Today some art historians are taking another look at Murillo, and his reputation is making a sort of comeback.

If you'd like to form your own opinion of Murillo, some of his most important works are at the Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes in Seville and at the Prado in Madrid.

The true devotee can also visit Casa del Murillo, Calle Santa Teresa 8, Alfalfa (tel. 95-503-72-64). The house is not a museum, but it contains the offices of the Andalusian Department of Culture. Nevertheless, you can wander into the courtyard and poke about on the lower floor. Most helpful to the true Murillo aficionado is a display on the ground floor that pinpoints the works that can be seen in Seville. Admission is free. The casa is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and 4 to 7pm.

Finally, you can stroll through the Jardines de Murillo, entering from Plaza Santa Cruz. On a hot day in Seville, a stroll among the shade trees here is restful.