The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin

Listed as by Murillo in Desenfans' 1804 fire insurance list, this painting was downgraded by Angulo in 1981 to the status of a copy. However, after cleaning and restoration in 2012 the removal of layers of yellowed varnish and of later retouching has revealed brilliantly painted passages, particularly in the Virgin's mantle and the facial expressions of the angels. Except for the pose of the Virgin's head, the present composition relates directly to an engraving of 1794 by Francisco de Paula Marti (1761-1827) after a painting by Murillo long thought to be lost.