Juan de Mesa (1583 - 1627) - photo 1

Juan de Mesa

Juan de Mesa y Velasco was a Spanish Baroque sculptor born in 1583 in Córdoba and died in 1627 in Seville. He is renowned for creating several effigies used in Holy Week processions in Seville, showcasing his masterful approach to religious art during the Baroque period. Mesa was a prominent disciple of Juan Martínez Montañés, embodying the transition from Renaissance ideals to Baroque emotion and realism​​​​.

His work is distinguished by its realistic portrayal of human anatomy, intense expression, and dramatism, particularly evident in his crucified Christ figures. These sculptures not only convey the physical torment of Christ but also embody a deep spiritual passion, aligning with the Catholic Church's post-Tridentine mandates for art to be accessible and educative for the faithful. Among his notable works are the Cristo de la Buena Muerte and Jesús del Gran Poder, which remain central to Seville's Holy Week celebrations and are celebrated for their emotional depth and realism​​​​.

Despite his premature death at 44, possibly due to tuberculosis, Mesa's legacy endures through his sculptures, which continue to be objects of devotion and admiration. His ability to capture the intensity of biblical narratives and the human form has made him a pivotal figure in Spanish Baroque sculpture, with works held in high regard and still influencing the tradition of religious procession figures in Spain​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Mesa's work represents a peak of Baroque sculptural art, imbued with spiritual depth and technical mastery. To stay informed about new discoveries and auction events related to Juan de Mesa y Velasco, signing up for updates is recommended. This ensures access to the latest sales and insights into the enduring legacy of this Baroque master.

Date and place of birt:26 june 1583, Córdoba, Spain
Date and place of death:26 november 1627, Sevilla, Spain
Nationality:Spain
Period of activity: XVI, XVII century
Specialization:Sculptor, Wood carver
Genre:Religious genre
Art style:Baroque, Realism

Creators Spain

Fernando Zobel (1924 - 1984)
Fernando Zobel
1924 - 1984
Jesús Mari Lazkano (1960)
Jesús Mari Lazkano
1960
Miguel García Vivancos (1895 - 1972)
Miguel García Vivancos
1895 - 1972
Carlos Alonso Perez (1881 - 1914)
Carlos Alonso Perez
1881 - 1914
Mariano Alonso Perez (1857 - 1930)
Mariano Alonso Perez
1857 - 1930
Antonio Santin (1978)
Antonio Santin
1978
Pedro Roldán (1624 - 1699)
Pedro Roldán
1624 - 1699
Giovanni Battista Castello (1509 - 1569)
Giovanni Battista Castello
1509 - 1569
Miguel Berrocal (1933 - 2006)
Miguel Berrocal
1933 - 2006
Eduardo Balaka (1840 - 1914)
Eduardo Balaka
1840 - 1914
Ignacio Zuloaga (1870 - 1945)
Ignacio Zuloaga
1870 - 1945
Francisco Pacheco (1564 - 1644)
Francisco Pacheco
1564 - 1644
Nicholas Alperis (1865 - 1928)
Nicholas Alperis
1865 - 1928
María Gutiérrez Blanchard (1881 - 1932)
María Gutiérrez Blanchard
1881 - 1932
Cesar Alvarez Dumont (1866 - 1945)
Cesar Alvarez Dumont
1866 - 1945
Juan Uslé (1954)
Juan Uslé
1954

Creators Baroque

Maxfield Parrish (1870 - 1966)
Maxfield Parrish
1870 - 1966
Pietro Annigoni (1910 - 1988)
Pietro Annigoni
1910 - 1988
Frédéric-Auguste Cazals (1865 - 1941)
Frédéric-Auguste Cazals
1865 - 1941
Franz Bronstert (1895 - 1967)
Franz Bronstert
1895 - 1967
Sonya Sklaroff (1970)
Sonya Sklaroff
1970
Myles Birket Foster (1825 - 1899)
Myles Birket Foster
1825 - 1899
Simon de Vos (1603 - 1676)
Simon de Vos
1603 - 1676
Nikolay Andreyevich Andreyev (1873 - 1932)
Nikolay Andreyevich Andreyev
1873 - 1932
Ernst Anders (1845 - 1911)
Ernst Anders
1845 - 1911
Edmond Luniot (1851 - 1900)
Edmond Luniot
1851 - 1900
Adalbert Wex (1867 - 1932)
Adalbert Wex
1867 - 1932
Heinz Werner (1928 - 2019)
Heinz Werner
1928 - 2019
Lorenz Strauch (1554 - 1636)
Lorenz Strauch
1554 - 1636
Vitaly Konstantinovich Tsvirko (1913 - 1993)
Vitaly Konstantinovich Tsvirko
1913 - 1993
Antonio Franchi (Il Lucchese) (1638 - 1709)
Antonio Franchi (Il Lucchese)
1638 - 1709
Albert Joseph Moore (1841 - 1893)
Albert Joseph Moore
1841 - 1893