The Immaculate Conception (oil on canvas) 1655

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo created *The Immaculate Conception* as an oil on canvas, which can be found at the Hermitage Museum. The composition focuses on the Virgin Mary, surrounded by cherubic angels and bathed in a divine light. The artist arranges the figures in a dynamic, upward-moving spiral that draws the eye toward Mary's face. Note how the soft, diffused lighting and the gentle curves of Mary's form contribute to the overall sense of ethereal beauty. Murillo's style here reflects the broader Baroque interest in eliciting emotional responses through visual drama and heightened realism. By using light and colour, Murillo evokes a sense of transcendence, inviting viewers into a spiritual contemplation that goes beyond literal representation. This piece doesn’t just depict a religious scene; it's a crafted visual experience intended to provoke awe and reflection.