Saint Romanus of Antioch and Saint Barulas

Francisco de Zurbarán excelled at painting altarpieces that presented saints in an accessible manner. Catholic reformers, who aimed to revitalize Catholicism in the face of the Protestant Reformation, emphasized that religious painting should feature easily recognizable figures and narratives in order to reach contemporary audiences.

This canvas, made for the high altar of the church of San Román in Seville, Spain, aligns with the church’s dedication to Saint Romanus of Antioch. Romanus towers over Saint Barulas, a seven-year-old child who was inspired to martyrdom by the elder saint’s words. Romanus holds up his own tongue, torn out by his tormentors, and grasps a massive book inscribed with a prayer invoking his intercession on behalf of the faithful.