Claudio Coello

Claudio Coello (1642-1693) was a distinguished painter of the Baroque school of Madrid. He trained in the studio of Francisco Rizi, with whom he had the opportunity to copy paintings of great artists such as Titian, Rubens and Giordano held in the Alcázar of Madrid. His technique brought together elements of the Venetian and the Flemish schools. His compositions and religious scenes, in which he used bright and vivid colors are famous. He completed numerous projects on behalf of the churches of Madrid, until he began to work at the court, coming to be appointed official painter of King Charles II. Among his paintings, is La Sagrada Forma (the Sacred Form), now on display at the Escorial, in which the court of Charles II appears portrayed. The success of this painting earned him the appointment as pintor de cámara (Court painter) after Rizi’s death.