Collection: Francisco de Herrera the Elder

Francisco de Herrera the Elder (1576 1656) was a Spanish painter and engraver, born in Seville. He established the Seville school and later worked in Madrid. His work bridges Mannerism and the Baroque, exhibiting Caravaggist characteristics. He is known as "El Viejo" to distinguish him from his son, Francisco Herrera the Younger, who was also a painter.

Herrera painted religious subjects and portraits, often creating decorative works for churches and monasteries. His painting The Crucifixion (1627) demonstrates his technique. He was a possible pupil of Francisco Pacheco and his style shows influences from Juan de Roelas. He was also acquainted with Francisco de Zurbarán and Diego Velázquez.

Herrera taught several artists, including Diego Velázquez and Ignacio de Iriarte. His son, Francisco Herrera the Younger, also became a painter and architect, continuing the family's artistic legacy.