St. Ana and the Young Virgin 2020

Raúl Berzosa painted "St. Ana and the Young Virgin" with oil on canvas. Berzosa sets a warm, almost theatrical stage, using a palette of earthy reds, blues and greens, which gives the scene a sense of intimacy. There’s a lovely contrast between the smooth faces and the more roughly textured drapery; you can almost feel the weight of the fabrics. I’m drawn to the way he renders the light catching on the pages of the book. The way that the light highlights the details creates a focal point that invites us to consider the act of learning and the passing down of knowledge. This work reminds me a little of some paintings by Bouguereau, particularly in its smooth finish and depiction of domestic tranquility, but Berzosa brings a fresh, contemporary eye to this timeless subject. It’s a reminder that art is always in conversation with what has come before, reinterpreting and reimagining.