Castilian Artist, Saint John the Evangelist, 1580, Sculpture Carving

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Sculpture Carving "Saint John the Evangelist" ca. 1580, Juan de Anchieta workshop - Castilian School

Exquisite carving of Saint John … Read more Sculpture Carving "Saint John the Evangelist" ca. 1580, Juan de Anchieta workshop - Castilian School

Exquisite carving of Saint John the Evangelist made around the last quarter of the 16th century. Of extraordinary workmanship, the iconography corresponds to the attitude of St. John the Evangelist on Calvary, located to the left of Christ. Crying to heaven, his eyes are turned, but his face is serene. Dexterity and skill on the part of the author in developing this piece, designed to have a single point of view, round carving but subordinated to an altarpiece. The back has not been carved, it is roughed to minimize weight.

Saint John presents a complete and exquisite anatomy, both in the face and in the feet and hands. His serene face presents a Greek profile thanks to his straight nose. Likewise, his hair is configured with undulations of remarkable chiaroscuro. His hands in praying position tend to a contained realism and his feet, with one more advanced than the other, follow the Greek contrapposto. All these are classicist characteristics, present in the sculptures that drink from the romanism of Juan de Anchieta (1533-1588).

The velvet cloak leaves the right shoulder uncovered, revealing the tunic, and is gathered on the opposite arm, falling in wide wavy folds that open to show again the green tunic with rich brocade. Its polychrome is the ideal complement. On the outside, a golden mantle with an extraordinary border of rich brocades. See less