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Bartolomé Esteban Murillo |
Spanish, 1618-1682 |
Oil on Canvas, transferred to Masonite by Fritz Hoelzer in 1947 |
78 x 65 inches |
Acquisition: Gift of Taylor Blow
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The Holy Family of the Little Bird is a copy of the original by the Spanish artist,
Murillo. The painting was donated by the estate of Taylor Blow, who purchased the Missouri
slave, Dred Scott, and set him free. An alumnus of Saint Louis University, Taylor Blow was the
brother of Susan Blow, who started the first kindergarten in the United States.
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was largely a religious painter who appealed to popular piety.
His work held tremendous appeal during the 18th and early 19th centuries, but it was later
disregarded for its senitmentality. His realism remained exact and sound, although his manner
displayed tenderness and affection. Like Rembrandt, he understood that the true language of the
Gospel was the language of the people. Murillo's work is gaining new appreciation. The original
painting of The Holy Family of the Little Bird is displayed in Spain's Museo del Prado.
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