What does 'Agnus Dei' mean?

'Lamb of God' in Latin, a title for Christ referring to his sacrifice for humanity's sins. John the Baptist first used this phrase.

Why did Zurbarán paint bound lambs?

Zurbarán painted several versions for religious patrons. The image served as a meditation on Christ's sacrifice and innocence This work dates to 1640.

Where can I see this painting?

At the Museo del Prado. It's small (38 × 62 cm) but intensely moving, located in Madrid, Spain The oil on canvas work is part of their permanent collection.

Where Is Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)? Museum Location

Francisco de Zurbarán painted this Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) around 1635-1640. A young lamb lies on a dark surface, its feet bound, awaiting sacrifice. The animal looks directly at the viewer with an expression that seems almost human in its patience. Nothing else appears: no landscape, no altar, no symbols beyond the lamb itself.

The painting's power comes from its austere simplicity. The lamb represents Christ as the sacrificial victim, yet Zurbarán avoided obvious religious imagery. The fine rendering of wool, the soft ears, the trusting gaze create empathy before theology. This is a portrait of innocence about to be destroyed.

Zurbarán painted several versions of this subject. The Prado version demonstrates his mastery of still-life painting within a devotional context.

Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)

Details

Where to See It

The Artist

More by Francisco de Zurbarán

Apotheosis of St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Bartholomew almost in agony

The Holy Face

St. Pierre Pascal, Bishop of Jaen

Also at Museo del Prado, Madrid

Descent from the Cross

Artemisia

Adam and Eve

A Soldier

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