Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664)

Francisco de Zurbarán (November 7, 1598 – August 27, 1664) was a Spanish painter. He is known primarily for his religious paintings depicting monks, nuns, and martyrs, and for his still-lifes. Zurbarán gained the nickname Spanish Caravaggio, owing to the forceful, realistic use of chiaroscuro in which he excelled. Towards 1630 he was appointed painter to Philip IV; and there is a story that on one occasion the sovereign laid his hand on the artist’s shoulder, saying “Painter to the king, king of painters.” In this painting, he has depicted himself as St. Luke looking upon the cross.

(From Wikipedia)