"Christ Healing the Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda"

Murillo started studying art at an early age and In 1642 he traveled to Madrid, where he most likely encountered the works of Zurbarán and Velázquez, whose influences, particularly the early Realist style, can be seen in some of Murillo’s previous works. He began to specialize in painting the Biblical subjects of the Virgin and child and the Immaculate Conception.

We see anguish and frustration on the paralytic man’s face as he explains to Jesus that he has sat at the pool for nearly 40 years, and has never been able to get to the pool first. Upon observing the paralytic’s condition, it is evident that he has opted to live at the pool of Bethesda, and this is evident by the few possessions next to his bed. He has a cane, a plate, and a pitcher- fundamental necessities. We also see Jesus extending his hand to the man instructing him to get up and walk. Around them, there are the disciples and many other sickly and invalid people waiting for their chance to be the first ones into the pool upon the angel’s visit. There is a lot of pain and suffering at the pool of Bethesda.

Upon further study of the piece, we can see the angel that turns the water into a healing pool. The angel is far away, disconnected, and not interacting with the people. Jesus, on the other hand, is among the people, speaking to them, and healing them. Jesus’ message is simple: “follow me and be healed.”