Pedro de Mena (1628 - 1688) - photo 1

Pedro de Mena

Pedro de Mena y Medrano, baptized in August 1628 in Granada, Spain, and passing in October 1688 in Málaga, was a distinguished Spanish sculptor renowned for his emotionally charged religious sculptures. His works, primarily executed in polychromed wood, are celebrated for their incredible realism and detail, bringing a tactile and visceral presence to religious figures​​.

Mena's education in sculpture began under the guidance of his father, Alonso de Mena, and further honed by the teachings of Alonzo Cano. His early success was marked by contributions to the convent of St. Anthony in Granada, showcasing figures of notable saints. His significant commission for the cathedral of Málaga in 1658, involving sculptural work on the choir stalls, extended his reputation beyond his initial local fame​​.

Pedro de Mena is lauded for his technical mastery and the emotional depth of his work, which includes celebrated pieces such as "Ecce Homo" and "Mater Dolorosa." These works exemplify his skill in using polychrome wood to achieve lifelike representations of religious figures, engaging viewers with their expressiveness and detail. His sculptures often featured intricate details such as real human hair, glass eyes, and tears made of resin, enhancing their lifelike appearance and evoking a strong emotional response from the beholder​​​​.

Mena's legacy is firmly entrenched in the Spanish Baroque tradition, with his sculptures found in various churches and museums, including the National Museum of Sculpture in Valladolid. His artistry continues to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts, representing a pinnacle of religious sculpture during the Baroque period​​​​.

For those interested in the profound spiritual and artistic depth of Pedro de Mena's work, signing up for updates can enrich your understanding and appreciation of his contributions to the world of art. Stay informed about new product sales and auction events related to Pedro de Mena and immerse yourself in the world of Spanish Baroque sculpture.

Date and place of birt:August 1628, Granada, Spain
Date and place of death:13 october 1688, Málaga, Spain
Nationality:Spain
Period of activity: XVII century
Specialization:Sculptor
Genre:Religious genre
Art style:Baroque

Creators Spain

Ferrán Garcia Sevilla (1949)
Ferrán Garcia Sevilla
1949
Agustín Ibarrola (1930 - 2023)
Agustín Ibarrola
1930 - 2023
Raimundo Madraso (1841 - 1920)
Raimundo Madraso
1841 - 1920
Jose Leonardo (1601 - 1656)
Jose Leonardo
1601 - 1656
Martin Chirino (1925 - 2019)
Martin Chirino
1925 - 2019
José Belizón Tocino (1930 - 1997)
José Belizón Tocino
1930 - 1997
Francisco Leonardoni (1654 - 1711)
Francisco Leonardoni
1654 - 1711
Luis Melendez (1716 - 1780)
Luis Melendez
1716 - 1780
Juan Bautista Martinez del Maso (1612 - 1667)
Juan Bautista Martinez del Maso
1612 - 1667
Daniel Argimon y Granell (1929 - 1996)
Daniel Argimon y Granell
1929 - 1996
 Quintilianus (35 - 96)
Quintilianus
35 - 96
Laureano Barrau (1863 - 1957)
Laureano Barrau
1863 - 1957
Mariano Alonso Perez (1857 - 1930)
Mariano Alonso Perez
1857 - 1930
Miguel Angel Campano (1948 - 2018)
Miguel Angel Campano
1948 - 2018
Ulrich Leman (1885 - 1988)
Ulrich Leman
1885 - 1988
Lluis Cera (1967)
Lluis Cera
1967

Creators Baroque

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685 - 1750
Anthony Claesz II (1607 - 1649)
Anthony Claesz II
1607 - 1649
Lodovico Lana (1597 - 1646)
Lodovico Lana
1597 - 1646
Lavinia Fontana (1552 - 1614)
Lavinia Fontana
1552 - 1614
Jacob Marrel (1613 - 1681)
Jacob Marrel
1613 - 1681
Joseph Goupy (1689 - 1769)
Joseph Goupy
1689 - 1769
Paolo Antonio Barbieri (1603 - 1649)
Paolo Antonio Barbieri
1603 - 1649
 A.A. Lejeune (XVIII century - ?)
A.A. Lejeune
XVIII century - ?
Angelo Paglia (1681 - 1763)
Angelo Paglia
1681 - 1763
Flaminio Torri (1620 - 1661)
Flaminio Torri
1620 - 1661
Michaelina Wautier (1604 - 1689)
Michaelina Wautier
1604 - 1689
Abraham Jansz. Bega (1637 - 1697)
Abraham Jansz. Bega
1637 - 1697
Pieter Jansz. van Asch (1603 - 1678)
Pieter Jansz. van Asch
1603 - 1678
Josef Reinhard (1749 - 1824)
Josef Reinhard
1749 - 1824
Jacob Levecq (1634 - 1675)
Jacob Levecq
1634 - 1675
J.P. van Wijck (XVII century)
J.P. van Wijck
XVII century
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