Giovanni Bielato and Murillo

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo relied on his patrons to promote his career. One such patron was Giovanni Bielato, who was influential in establishing Murillo's reputation outside of the Iberian Peninsula during his final decade, in the 1670s. The career and life of Bielato are discussed, with a focus on his work as a merchant and his spirituality. His connections to Murillo's other patrons are considered, as are his influences on the artists late commissions.