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@smashtie@mas.to
2026-08-15 13:44:13

Zurbaršn was definitely a bit bonkers. Genius, sure, but woa, some of the symbolism is out there! The cherub heads with wings are a recurring theme, hovering with holy payloads. Check out the alt text for all the details.
#art #NationalGallery

Saint Margaret of Antioch Francisco de Zurbarán about 1630-4 The story of Saint Margaret tells how she emerged unscathed after being swallowed by a dragon. Zurbarán depicts the unruffled saint in luxurious shepherd's dress, with a carefully drawn fabric saddlebag sling over her arm, and the dragon in the shadows, subdued behind her. Her expression says "yeah what about it?"
The Immaculate Conception Francisco de Zurbarán 1632 Mary appears standing on five cherubim (round heads with wings, no more!) occupying a half moon. She is wearing a necklace with the anagram A(ve) M(aria), while a host of stars and angels emerge from the clouds in the halo around her head. Two young students pray on either side below her.
The Vision of Saint Alonso Rodríguez Francisco de Zurbarán 1630 Alonso Rodríguez was an early proponent of venerating the hearts of Christ and the Virgin Mary - seen here emitting rays of light that zap the poor saint right in the chest. He looks upwards, surprised and enraptured. Of course, Jesus and Mary are hovering on little islands of cherub heads with wings, as if the rest of the painting were not bonkers enough.