Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception

The San Diego Museum of Art is currently showing El Greco to Dali: Great Spanish Masters from the Perez Simon Collection. This wonderful collection consists of sixty-four pieces of Spanish art. The pieces date back from the 16th century to the 1970 (From El Graco to Dali, 2011). Apart from the exhibition consisting of Spanish art, there is also a sub theme. A particular piece stands out from the collection, the" Immaculate Conception" by Bartolome Murillo.

Spanish art has four themes: royalty, religion, modernism, and regionalism. The Immaculate Conception falls under the religious category. Religious art is paintings portraying biblical themes. There are different reasons for the need of religious art; a reminder that God is a greater power that controls the universe. The painting of Jesus during the crucifixion is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice, it feels like a reminder that we need to obey the church and behave. This I believe was the goal of the church, to keep their followers in line.

The" Immaculate Conception" is a painting of the Virgin Mary. There are certain attributes in the painting that make that obvious. For example, the white dress is a symbol of purity. Bartolone Murrillo has painted this piece in 1672 in the style of stilo vaporoso, (San Diego Museum of Art tour guide) which means vapor style. This particular style gives the painting the effect on gentle and unclear lines. The same style was used by Alonso Miguel to Torar in "The Divine Shepherdess" painted in 1745. This painting also has obvious attributes such as the blue cloak and the white dress.

The" Immaculate Conception" is particularly meaningful because Mary looked truly divine. The painting felt inspiring, as if the writer needed to make changes to her lifestyle to be more like this woman, free of sin (just for those few minutes of looking at the picture of course). The large size of the painting also made it impressive. On the other hand, the "Divine Shepherdess', Mary looks very peaceful. This peacefulness is very comforting when looking at the painting. Both pieces are breathtaking and inspiring.

This is the first time these pieces have been shown in the U.S. and this writer is very fortunate to have seen them. The Spanish theme was particularly enjoyable because the writer is of Spanish ancestry, which was wonderful to see what Spanish heritage has contributed to the art culture.

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