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

Pedro de Mena (1628 - 1688)
Pedro de Mena
1628 - 1688
Vicente Lopez Portagna (1772 - 1850)
Vicente Lopez Portagna
1772 - 1850
Ramón Martí i Alsina (1826 - 1894)
Ramón Martí i Alsina
1826 - 1894
Secundino Hernandez (1975)
Secundino Hernandez
1975
Miguel Berrocal (1933 - 2006)
Miguel Berrocal
1933 - 2006
Antonio Maria Fabrés y Costa (1854 - 1938)
Antonio Maria Fabrés y Costa
1854 - 1938
Francisco Bayeu y Subias (1734 - 1795)
Francisco Bayeu y Subias
1734 - 1795
Carlos de Aes (1829 - 1898)
Carlos de Aes
1829 - 1898
Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz (1932 - 2011)
Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz
1932 - 2011
Francisco Iturrino González (1864 - 1924)
Francisco Iturrino González
1864 - 1924
Francisco de Goya (1746 - 1828)
Francisco de Goya
1746 - 1828
Alonso Cano (1601 - 1667)
Alonso Cano
1601 - 1667
Pilar Albarracín (1968)
Pilar Albarracín
1968
Cesar Alvarez Dumont (1866 - 1945)
Cesar Alvarez Dumont
1866 - 1945
John Goodwin Lyman (1886 - 1967)
John Goodwin Lyman
1886 - 1967
Jose Antolines (1635 - 1676)
Jose Antolines
1635 - 1676

Creators Renaissance

Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo (1480 - 1540)
Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo
1480 - 1540
Lucas Cranach I (1472 - 1553)
Lucas Cranach I
1472 - 1553
Agostino Nifo (1470 - 1538)
Agostino Nifo
1470 - 1538
Antonio Catalano (1560 - 1630)
Antonio Catalano
1560 - 1630
Bartolomeo di Domenico di Guido (1430 - 1521)
Bartolomeo di Domenico di Guido
1430 - 1521
Giorgio Schiavone (1436 - 1504)
Giorgio Schiavone
1436 - 1504
Enea Vico (1523 - 1567)
Enea Vico
1523 - 1567
Girolamo Cardano (1501 - 1576)
Girolamo Cardano
1501 - 1576
Fra Angelico (1397 - 1455)
Fra Angelico
1397 - 1455
Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)
Leonardo da Vinci
1452 - 1519
Francesco Stelluti (1577 - 1652)
Francesco Stelluti
1577 - 1652
Francesco Primaticcio (1503 - 1570)
Francesco Primaticcio
1503 - 1570
Altobello Melone (1491 - 1543)
Altobello Melone
1491 - 1543
Lucas van Leyden (1494 - 1533)
Lucas van Leyden
1494 - 1533
Bernardino India (1528 - 1590)
Bernardino India
1528 - 1590
 Master of the Fiesole Epiphany (1425 - 1496)
Master of the Fiesole Epiphany
1425 - 1496
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