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.

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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

Antonio Zanchi (1631 - 1722)
Antonio Zanchi
1631 - 1722
Jean-Baptiste van Loo (1684 - 1745)
Jean-Baptiste van Loo
1684 - 1745
Jodocus (Joos) van Winghe (1544 - 1603)
Jodocus (Joos) van Winghe
1544 - 1603
Simon Vouet (1590 - 1649)
Simon Vouet
1590 - 1649
Hans Speckaert (1540 - 1577)
Hans Speckaert
1540 - 1577
Albert Jansz. Klomp (1625 - 1688)
Albert Jansz. Klomp
1625 - 1688
Pasquale Ottino (1578 - 1630)
Pasquale Ottino
1578 - 1630
Giacinto Gimignani (1606 - 1681)
Giacinto Gimignani
1606 - 1681
Domenico Peruzzini (1602 - ?)
Domenico Peruzzini
1602 - ?
Domenico Tibaldi (1541 - 1583)
Domenico Tibaldi
1541 - 1583
Jean Baptiste Vanmour (1671 - 1737)
Jean Baptiste Vanmour
1671 - 1737
Giuseppe Cesari (Cavalier d'Arpino) (1568 - 1640)
Giuseppe Cesari (Cavalier d'Arpino)
1568 - 1640
Girolamo di Tiziano (1510 - 1572)
Girolamo di Tiziano
1510 - 1572
Giorgio Ghisi (1520 - 1582)
Giorgio Ghisi
1520 - 1582
Isaac Koedijck (1618 - 1668)
Isaac Koedijck
1618 - 1668
Gerard ter Borch (1617 - 1681)
Gerard ter Borch
1617 - 1681