Alonso Cano and Mary

'Mary' (1646-50) by Alonso Cano; Budapest Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest

Doing this blog, I realise how few painters I actually know. Alonso Cano, born on 19 March 1601, is one of them. This Spanish artist, who was born in (my beloved) Granada, was sometimes called 'The Spanish Michelangelo' because of the diversity of his talents. Not only was he a painter, but also a sculptor and an architect. He designed the façade of the Cathedral in Granada (1667), one of the most original works of Spanish Baroque architecture. He painted the portrait 'Mary' before returning to Granada in 1652. I think it's beautiful and serene.