Salzillo - History Lab

Salzillo Nativity Scene

ad_hlab_min — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 16:31:53 +0000

Central scene or Nativity of Salzillo’s Nativity Scene. A work from the final period of Francisco Salzillo, which was completed by his disciple Roque López at the end of the 18th century. It was commissioned by the Murcian nobleman Jesualdo Riquelme Fontes, for his palace. It is notable for its more than 500 figures, as well as animals and various architectures. The popular and aristocratic types stand out, a sample of Spanish society in the 18th century as a frame for the biblical scenes.

The post Salzillo Nativity Scene first appeared on History Lab.

San Juan

ad_hlab_min — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 16:30:19 +0000

It is considered one of the most important sculptures of the entire Spanish Baroque period and the best exponent of the idea of movement among all of Salzillo’s images. It is a full-length sculpture, depicted in a walking pose. Its superb polychromy, with stems and flowers made in gold using the estofado technique, is one of the most outstanding examples of Spanish imagery of the time. The importance given to polychrome processes had reached its peak some time before, in the reign of the Habsburgs. The transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque meant the separation of painters and polychromists, as the former entered into the intellectual currents of the time and moved away from the established rules. Historical and social changes brought about transformations that affected both the motifs represented and the techniques of execution. Salzillo’s sculptural production was, therefore, the definitive end to one of the most prolific artistic periods in Spanish art.

The post San Juan first appeared on History Lab.

The Prayer in the Orchard

ad_hlab_min — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 16:30:14 +0000

This is one of the most highly valued processional floats by the Murcian sculptor, due to its outstanding quality and the novelty of its composition. It is made up of five images, namely St. John, St. James the Greater and St. Peter together with the two main figures, Christ and the Angel. It represents the moment when Jesus and three of his disciples withdrew to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, at which point an angel appeared from Heaven. The apostles embody the three ages of man and the different phases of sleep. St. John, the youngest, sleeps soundly, St. James the Elder, who is more mature, is in a peaceful sleep, while St. Peter, the oldest, seems to be awake, as he holds his sword tightly, revealing the perfect anatomy of his arm. Christ’s gaze is directed towards the chalice, which in the procession is placed on a date palm. This liturgical object symbolises the sacrifice that has begun to be consummated. The Angel, of idealised beauty, points to the chalice, urging Christ not to lose heart. This float is carried in procession along with eight others on Good Friday mornings in the city of Murcia, all of which belong to the Brotherhood of Jesus. The origins of the procession date back to 1600, when the first constitutions were approved, although the first procession would not take place until 1601.

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