Exhibiting Historical Art: Out of the Vault: Stories of People and Things

Carved Head of St. John on a Platter

This carved wooden piece made to look like bronze is encompassing of the Spanish Baroque period. Spanish Baroque sculpture is particularly identified with its religious themes. During the 17th and 18th centuries, conflicts between the Catholic Church and the newly formed Protestants had a great influence on art, especially in Spain where Catholicism was heavily centered. Saints, among other religious figures, were often depicted to reinforce the values of the Sacraments. This time period is also classified by its realism. Faces and objects began to look more life-like with correct dimensions and proportions. Theatrical components were often combined with these styles during the Baroque period, with many of its pieces being powerfully emotional and containing many sharp contrasts.

Juan Alonzo y Ron Villabrille, a Spanish sculptor, worked most of his life in Madrid, setting up his own workshop in 1687. He is known for his wooden and porcelain sculptures depicting Saints and other religious subjects. His most famous piece, the Head of St Paul, is also his only signed and dated sculpture. The rest of Villabrille’s creations, including this one, are solely accredited to him based off of his artistic style. This includes the swirling carving of the beard, extremely dramatic expressions, and polychromed wood medium. By creating a Saint in anguish, Villabrille is able to remind his viewers of the sacrifices Catholic figures had made in order to practice their beliefs. 
 

This page has paths:

This page has tags: