Artwork

The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb

The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb, by Vincenzo Carducci, oil, 1626
The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb, by Vincenzo Carducci, oil, 1626

The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Vincenzo Carducci. It dates from 1626 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays a miraculous spring emerging from the tomb of Saint Bruno, a scene drawn from the saint’s hagiography.

The work portrays a miraculous spring emerging from the tomb of Saint Bruno, a scene drawn from the saint’s hagiography. The composition includes a crucifix, a container that holds the spring water, and a carriage that transports the holy liquid, all of which function as iconographic symbols of divine grace and the saint’s intercessory power. The painting thus represents the moment when the saint’s sanctity gives rise to a miraculous source of healing, embodying the theological theme of spiritual renewal through divine intervention.

Technique & Style

The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb is an oil painting executed on canvas, a medium consistent with Vincenzo Carducci’s standard practice for large-scale religious commissions. The work is substantial in scale, measuring 337.5 cm in height by 297.5 cm in width, a format suited to its devotional function and likely placement within a monastic or ecclesiastical setting. The composition is described as religious in genre and depicts elements including a container, a crucifix, and a carriage, suggesting a narrative arrangement of sacred and processional motifs.

The painting is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado (with an associated provenance from the Museo de la Trinidad), institutions whose holdings of Carducci’s work reflect the Spanish court’s patronage of Italian-trained artists working in the early seventeenth century.

Stylistically, the work belongs to the religious painting tradition of the period, executed in oil on canvas to allow for the layered modeling and tonal depth characteristic of Carducci’s mature practice.

History & Provenance

Vincenzo Carducci executed The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno's Tomb as an oil painting on canvas. While one record suggests the work originated in 1626, other data indicates an inception date of 1629. The religious composition depicts specific elements including a container, a crucifix, and a carriage.

The painting entered the collection of the Museo de la Trinidad before becoming part of the holdings at the Museo del Prado, where it remains located. No specific details regarding the original commission or intermediate ownership transfers are provided in the available records.

Overview

Vincenzo Carducci’s oil painting The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb was completed in 1626. Executed during the early Baroque period, the work is part of the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. It presents a narrative scene centered on the tomb of Saint Bruno, from which a spring of water emerges, surrounded by a gathering of figures.

Context

The painting reflects the Counter‑Reformation emphasis on miraculous narratives that reinforced Catholic devotion. By portraying a tangible miracle at a saint’s burial place, Carducci aligns with contemporary efforts to visualize faith and inspire piety among viewers, while also showcasing the artist’s adaptation of Italian Baroque techniques within a Spanish setting.

The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Adoration of the Shepherds, Amico Aspertini

Artist & collection

Portrait of Vincenzo Carducci

Artist

Vincenzo Carducci

Vincenzio Carduccio (in Spanish, sometimes Vicencio or Vicente Carducho; 1576 or 1578–1638) was an Italian painter who spent his career in Spain.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb?

The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb was painted by Vincenzo Carducci in 1626-01-01.

Where can I see The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb?

The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb?

The Miraculous Spring at Saint Bruno’s Tomb is associated with Early Baroque Italian.