An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Young VirginFrancisco de Zurbarán
Spanish, Fuente de Cantos 1598–1664 Madrid
ca. 1632–33
46 x 37 in. (116.8 x 94 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Fletcher Fund, 1927
In Francisco de Zurbarán's "The Young Virgin," we encounter a moment filled with contemplation and purity. The young girl sits in a softly lit space, her expression serene yet deeply thoughtful. She's dressed in simple garments, emphasizing her modesty and innocence.
The backdrop draws us into a stage-like setting, framed by rich, draped curtains that create a sense of intimacy. The muted colors contrast with her vibrant clothing, making her the focal point of the piece. In her hands, she holds a wooden tablet, possibly engaged in prayer or study, symbolizing her devotion and connection to the divine.
Nearby, a basket filled with white cloth and a simple jug rest on the floor, suggesting domestic tasks that contrast with her spiritual aspirations. The delicate flowers on the table and around her hint at purity and the fleeting nature of life, adding a layer of depth to her youthful innocence.
Zurbarán’s mastery of light further enhances this introspective moment, casting a gentle glow on the virgin's face and illuminating her features, inviting us to share in her quiet reflection. This artwork captures not just a figure but a state of being—an exploration of faith, youth, and the tender journey into womanhood.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
The best place to view The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.