St. Benedict of Nursia

Artist: Francisco de Zurbarán – c. 1640 – 1645

This painting formed part of a series of canvases representing thirteen founders of monastic orders by Zurbarán, known from copies in the Capuchin convent at Castellón de la Plana. Saint Benedict is shown holding a wine jar, in reference to a legend that a jar of poisoned wine was fractured when blessed by the saint, thus saving him. In the background Benedict kneels in prayer holding a crozier.

His feast day is July 11.