Fernando Estévez (sculptor) facts for kids
Fernando Estévez was a famous Spanish sculptor from the 1700s. He was born in La Orotava, a town on the island of Tenerife. Many people think he was one of the best sculptors from the Canary Islands. He is especially known for creating the statue of the Virgin of Candelaria. She is the patron saint, or special protector, of the Canary Islands.
Fernando Estévez's Life
Fernando Estévez was born in 1788 in La Orotava, a town in the north of Tenerife. His father had a workshop at home where he worked with silver. From a young age, Fernando showed a natural talent for art. He was especially good at design, using what he learned from his father's silver work.
Fernando's first art lessons were at the Franciscan monastery of San Lorenzo in La Orotava. There, he met a well-known artist named Jose Luján Pérez. Jose Luján Pérez was a painter, sculptor, and architect. Fernando worked in Jose's studio in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria until 1808.
After that, Fernando Estévez opened his own art workshop in La Orotava. Later, in 1846, he opened another workshop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He also taught art at the Provincial Academy of Fine Arts.
His Famous Sculptures
Fernando Estévez mostly created sculptures of religious figures. Many of his important works are in Tenerife. One famous piece is a statue of Christ crucified. You can find it in the Chapter house of the Cathedral of La Laguna.
He also made a statue showing Jesus being arrested in the Garden of Olives. This sculpture is in the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. In the same church, you can see his statue of the Immaculate Conception.
His most famous work is definitely the Virgin of Candelaria. This statue is the patron saint of the Canary Islands. Fernando created it in 1827. It replaced the original statue, which was lost in a storm in 1826.
Fernando Estévez also created art for other islands. In Santa Cruz de La Palma, you can see his "Christ of Forgiveness." Also, his statue of the Virgin of Carmen is in the Church of the Savior there.
On the island of Lanzarote, his statue of the Virgin of Candelaria is in the Church of San Roque in Tinajo. In Gran Canaria, his works include the Virgin of the Rosary. This statue is in the Church of Santo Domingo in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. He also sculpted St. John the Baptist for the St. John the Baptist Basilica in Telde.
Special Recognitions
- Fernando Estévez is considered an Hijo Ilustre of La Orotava. This means "Illustrious Son," a special honor for someone important from the town.
- The main art school in the Canary Islands is named after him. It is called the Escuela de Arte y Superior de Diseño Fernando Estévez. This school is located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
See also
In Spanish: Fernando Estévez para niños
