Spanish and Italian Renaissance Sculpture: A Comprehensive Guide
Features of Sculpture in Spain
Religious Themes and Funerary Sculpture
Religious themes dominated Spanish sculpture, particularly funerary art. The late Gothic period saw a shift in the portrayal of death, with individuals depicted as overcome by their mortality. Materials like painted wood and stone were commonly used, as seen in the choir stalls of Toledo Cathedral and San Marcos Church in Leon.
Notable Spanish Sculptors
Domenico Fancelli
Fancelli’s works include the Donatello-influenced “Tomb of Prince John” and the Renaissance-style “Tomb of the Catholic Kings” adorned with religious scenes.
Bartolomé Ordóñez
Ordóñez is known for the “Tomb of Juana la Loca and Philip the Fair” and the “Tomb of Cardinal Cisneros”. His Basque heritage is evident in the “Tomb of El Tostado” in Avila Cathedral.
Alonso Berruguete
Berruguete’s sculptures are characterized by distorted figures and exaggerated poses, creating a sense of instability. His works, such as the retablos of Olmedo and San Benito, often resemble caricatures. The influence of Donatello is apparent in his “Abraham and Isaac”, showcasing dynamic clothing and muscular tension. Berruguete also contributed to the choir stalls of Toledo Cathedral.
Juan de Juni
Juni’s expertise in stone and wood carving is evident in his works at San Marcos Church in Leon, including the choir and the “Relief of the Nativity”. His sculptures exhibit a fascination with robust anatomies and dramatic facial expressions. His masterpiece, “The Entombment” in Valladolid, reflects his preference for realism over idealized beauty.
Italian Renaissance Sculpture
Italian Renaissance sculpture achieved independence from architecture, emphasizing beauty, balance, and anatomical accuracy. The nude became a prominent subject, celebrating the human body and reflecting the influence of Platonic philosophy. Marble and bronze were the primary materials, with techniques like lost-wax casting and glazed terracotta also employed. Relief sculpture flourished, utilizing the schiacciato technique to create impressive perspective effects.
Quattrocento Sculpture
Lorenzo Ghiberti
Ghiberti is renowned for his bronze doors on the Florence Baptistery, particularly the “Gates of Paradise” with its biblical scenes and masterful use of schiacciato. His figures move naturally within expansive spaces.
Donatello
Donatello, a student of the human form, is considered one of the most significant Renaissance sculptors. His works include the confident “St. George”, the slender “David”, and the reliefs of the Cantoria. His equestrian sculpture, “Gattamelata”, and the expressive “Prophet Habakkuk” demonstrate his ability to blend realism and idealism.
Other Notable Quattrocento Sculptors
- Jacopo della Quercia: Known for the “Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto” and “Fonte Gaia”.
- Luca della Robbia: Famous for his glazed terracotta works, including the Cantoria reliefs for Florence Cathedral.
- Andrea del Verrocchio: A bronze sculptor and teacher of Leonardo da Vinci, renowned for his “David” and the equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni.
Cinquecento Sculpture
Michelangelo
Michelangelo’s influential sculptures, imbued with Neoplatonic thought, include the early relief “Battle of the Centaurs”, the “Madonna of the Stairs”, and the iconic “Pietà”. His marble “David” captures the moment before the hero’s triumph over Goliath, showcasing his anatomical expertise. Michelangelo’s most ambitious project was the tomb of Pope Julius II, featuring powerful figures like “Moses” and the unfinished “Slaves”. His later works, such as the Medici tombs and the “Rondanini Pietà”, exhibit a more introspective and unfinished style.
Mannerist Sculptors
- Benvenuto Cellini: Known for his intricate works like the “Salt Cellar of Francis I” and the bronze “Perseus with the Head of Medusa”.
- Baccio Bandinelli: Famous for his dynamic sculptures, including “Hercules and Cacus”.
- Bartolomeo Ammannati: Renowned for his monumental works like the “Fountain of Neptune” in Florence.
- Giambologna: Celebrated for his elegant and dynamic sculptures, such as “The Rape of the Sabine Women”.