St. Isidore of Seville

St. Isidore (c.1655) Murillo

April 4th is the feast day of St. Isidore of Seville. St. Isidore was 7th century a scholar, bishop, and theologian. Known as the "last scholar of the ancient world," he compiled the Etymologiae, an early encyclopedia. A key figure in preserving classical knowledge, he worked to unify Visigothic Spain under Catholicism.

St. Isidore (c.1655) by Murillo shows Bishop Isidore wearing a beautiful cope (cloak), mitre (head piece) and holding a crosier (staff) while reading. The Bishop is in deep contemplation. This wonderful painting can be seen in Seville at the @catedraldesevilla