Juan Fernández de Navarrete (1526 - 1579)

Juan Fernández de Navarrete (1526 - 1579) - photo 1

Juan Fernández de Navarrete

Juan Fernández de Navarrete was a distinguished Spanish Mannerist painter, renowned for his significant contribution to the Renaissance period. Born in 1526 in Logroño, Spain, Navarrete's life was marked by a childhood illness that left him without hearing, earning him the nickname "El Mudo" (The Mute). Despite his challenges, he became a prolific artist, communicating his thoughts and ideas through the powerful medium of painting.

Navarrete's artistic journey began under the tutelage of Fray Vicente de Santo Domingo, a Hieronymite monk in Estella. His talent and skill flourished, leading him to study in major Italian cities like Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan. During this time, Navarrete was heavily influenced by Venetian art, particularly by the works of Titian, whom he is believed to have studied with.

In 1568, Navarrete's career took a significant turn when he was appointed as the court painter to Philip II of Spain. This role led him to work on the Escorial, a grand monastery-palace still under construction. Here, Navarrete's works were instrumental in bringing Venetian influences to Spanish art. His paintings, characterized by rich, warm coloration and bold designs, were a departure from the traditional Spanish style of the time. Among his most celebrated works at the Escorial are "Nativity," where the light emanates from the infant Saviour, and the "Baptism of Christ," now housed in the Prado Museum.

His art, often depicting religious themes, was marked by a blend of sketchy distances with rich color and realistic foreground effects. Despite the challenges of his disability, Navarrete's works exhibit a remarkable depth of emotion and skill, securing his place as a significant figure in the Spanish Renaissance.

Juan Fernández de Navarrete's legacy continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts, collectors, and experts. His works, a blend of Spanish tradition and Venetian influence, represent a unique chapter in the history of art. For those interested in exploring Navarrete's masterpieces, a visit to the Prado Museum in Madrid is a must.

For updates on exhibitions and events featuring Juan Fernández de Navarrete's work, sign up for our newsletter. Stay informed about upcoming sales and auction events specifically related to this master of Spanish Renaissance art in a business-like, straightforward manner.

Date and place of birt:1526, Logroño, Spain
Date and place of death:28 march 1579, Toledo, Spain
Period of activity: XVI century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Art school / group:Castilian tenebrism
Genre:Religious genre
Art style:Mannerism, Old Masters

Creators Mannerism

Gillis van Coninxloo II (1544 - 1606)
Gillis van Coninxloo II
1544 - 1606
Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659 - 1743)
Hyacinthe Rigaud
1659 - 1743
Caspar Netscher (1639 - 1684)
Caspar Netscher
1639 - 1684
Lodovico Cardi (Cigoli) (1559 - 1613)
Lodovico Cardi (Cigoli)
1559 - 1613
Adriaen van Salm (1660 - 1720)
Adriaen van Salm
1660 - 1720
Jacopo Zucchi (1541 - 1589)
Jacopo Zucchi
1541 - 1589
Dirck van Baburen (1595 - 1624)
Dirck van Baburen
1595 - 1624
Jacob Cats (1741 - 1799)
Jacob Cats
1741 - 1799
Pasquale Ottino (1578 - 1630)
Pasquale Ottino
1578 - 1630
Peeter Gijsels (1621 - 1690)
Peeter Gijsels
1621 - 1690
Hendrick van der Burgh (1627 - 1664)
Hendrick van der Burgh
1627 - 1664
Joseph Ruffini (1690 - 1749)
Joseph Ruffini
1690 - 1749
Amico Aspertini (1475 - 1552)
Amico Aspertini
1475 - 1552
Pieter Aertsen (1508 - 1575)
Pieter Aertsen
1508 - 1575
Giovanni Capassini (1510 - 1579)
Giovanni Capassini
1510 - 1579
Franz Werner von Tamm (1658 - 1724)
Franz Werner von Tamm
1658 - 1724
× Create a Search Subscription