Luis de Morales: The Soul of Spain Born around 1509 in Badajoz, a border town nestled between Spain and Portugal, Luis de Morales stands as a singular figure in the history of Spanish art – a master of emotional intensity and deeply personal religious painting. Often referred to as “El Divino” (The Divine), his work resonated profoundly with the Spanish populace, capturing their faith and anxieties with an unparalleled directness. Unlike many of his contemporaries who sought patronage within the opulent courts of Seville or Madrid, Morales remained rooted in Badajoz throughout his life, forg…