02 May – 23 Aug 2026 | National Gallery | London

The first major monographic exhibition in the UK devoted to Spanish 17th-century artist Francisco de Zurbarán (1598–1664), will open at the National Gallery next spring (2 May – 23 August 2026).

Along with Diego Velázquez (1599–1660) and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682), Zurbarán was one of the leading painters of 17th-century Spain. His paintings, which include stunning life-size depictions of saints, soaring altarpieces and contemplative still lifes, are celebrated for their naturalism, directness and deep emotional power.

This exhibition is the first dedicated presentation of the artist’s paintings at the National Gallery since 1994 when the series of ‘Jacob and his Twelve Sons’ from Auckland Castle was shown in the Sunley Room. Several works by Zurbarán also featured in the 2009-2010 exhibition, The Sacred Made Real.

This exhibition of almost 50 paintings will span the chronological and iconographic breadth of the artist’s career.