Juan Martínez Montañés (1568 - 1649)

Juan Martínez Montañés (1568 - 1649) - photo 1

Juan Martínez Montañés

Juan Martínez Montañés, born on March 16, 1568, in Alcalá la Real, Jaén, Spain, and passing away on June 18, 1649, was a luminary of the Spanish Baroque sculpture scene, heralded as "el Dios de la Madera" (the God of Wood) for his unrivaled mastery in wood carving. His contributions significantly shaped the Sevillian school of sculpture, where he introduced the innovative encarnación technique, imbuing his wooden sculptures with lifelike skin tones​​.

Montañés is celebrated for his exceptional naturalism and precision in depicting human anatomy, setting him apart from many contemporaries. His works, characterized by their graceful forms and devout expressions, often encapsulated the religious fervor of the era. Notable pieces include the highly revered 'Saint John the Baptist', showcased at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and 'Cristo de la Clemencia', housed in the Seville Cathedral, each illustrating his skillful handling of wood and keen attention to anatomical detail​​​​.

Throughout his life, Montañés enjoyed significant acclaim, not only within Spain but also internationally, with some of his works making their way to the Spanish Americas. This broad recognition is a testament to his influence on and contribution to the Baroque artistic movement. His legacy persisted through his students, including notable figures such as Juan de Mesa, and through his son, Alonzo Martínez, ensuring the continuation of his stylistic and technical innovations in sculpture​​.

For collectors and art and antiques enthusiasts, Montañés's works remain pivotal, embodying the spiritual and artistic zeitgeist of 17th-century Spain. His sculptures are not just artistic marvels but also cultural artifacts that offer insights into the era's religious and social contexts.

To stay informed about exhibitions featuring Juan Martínez Montañés's works or upcoming auction events related to this pivotal figure in Baroque sculpture, consider signing up for updates. This subscription ensures you're always in the know about opportunities to engage with Montañés's enduring legacy.

Date and place of birt:16 march 1568, Alcalá la Real, Spain
Date and place of death:18 june 1649, Sevilla, Spain
Nationality:Spain
Period of activity: XVI, XVII century
Specialization:Sculptor
Genre:Religious genre
Art style:Renaissance

Creators Spain

Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989)
Salvador Dalí
1904 - 1989
Francisco Jimeno (1858 - 1927)
Francisco Jimeno
1858 - 1927
Juan Carreno de Miranda (1614 - 1685)
Juan Carreno de Miranda
1614 - 1685
Jean Ranc (1674 - 1735)
Jean Ranc
1674 - 1735
Ramon Casas (1866 - 1932)
Ramon Casas
1866 - 1932
Juan Garaizabal (1971)
Juan Garaizabal
1971
Francisco Risi (1608 - 1685)
Francisco Risi
1608 - 1685
Juan Antonio de Frias y Escalante (1633 - 1669)
Juan Antonio de Frias y Escalante
1633 - 1669
Andreu Alfaro (1929 - 2012)
Andreu Alfaro
1929 - 2012
Antoni Tàpies (1923 - 2012)
Antoni Tàpies
1923 - 2012
Albrecht Demitz (1947)
Albrecht Demitz
1947
Francisco Sobrino (1932 - 2014)
Francisco Sobrino
1932 - 2014
Eugenio Alvarez Dumont (1864 - 1927)
Eugenio Alvarez Dumont
1864 - 1927
Manolo Valdés (1942)
Manolo Valdés
1942
Luca Cambiaso (1527 - 1585)
Luca Cambiaso
1527 - 1585
Felipe Orlando (1911 - 2001)
Felipe Orlando
1911 - 2001

Creators Renaissance

Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648 - 1695)
Juana Inés de la Cruz
1648 - 1695
Francesco Petrarca (1304 - 1374)
Francesco Petrarca
1304 - 1374
Hans von Kulmbach (1476 - 1522)
Hans von Kulmbach
1476 - 1522
Giulio Bonasone (1498 - 1574)
Giulio Bonasone
1498 - 1574
Lazzaro Bastiani (1429 - 1512)
Lazzaro Bastiani
1429 - 1512
Jean de Vauzelles (1495 - 1563)
Jean de Vauzelles
1495 - 1563
Marco d'Oggiono (1470 - 1549)
Marco d'Oggiono
1470 - 1549
Pieter Balten (1527 - 1584)
Pieter Balten
1527 - 1584
Baldassarre Castiglione (1478 - 1529)
Baldassarre Castiglione
1478 - 1529
Bernardo Daddi (1280 - 1348)
Bernardo Daddi
1280 - 1348
Henri II Estienne (1528 - 1598)
Henri II Estienne
1528 - 1598
Nikolaos Tzafouris (1468 - 1501)
Nikolaos Tzafouris
1468 - 1501
Bartolomeo di Fruosino (1366 - 1441)
Bartolomeo di Fruosino
1366 - 1441
Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia (1403 - 1482)
Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia
1403 - 1482
Paolo Uccello (1397 - 1475)
Paolo Uccello
1397 - 1475
Lambert Hopfer (1510 - 1550)
Lambert Hopfer
1510 - 1550
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