Francisco Javier Sánchez Cantón facts for kids

Francisco Javier Sánchez Cantón (born in 1891, died in 1971) was a Spanish expert in art history. From 1960 to 1968, he was the Director of the famous Museo del Prado art museum.

Life and Work

Francisco Javier Sánchez Cantón was born in Pontevedra, Galicia (Spain), on July 14, 1891. In 1913, he earned a special degree from the Central University, Madrid. His main project was about the painters who worked for the kings of Spain.

He started working at the Museo del Prado in the same year. This museum is one of the most important art museums in the world. He also worked at the Center for Historical Studies. For several years, he was the main editor for an art journal called Archivo Español de Arte. In 1929, he helped organize an art show at the Prado featuring the artist Anton Raphael Mengs.

During the Spanish Civil War, he worked hard to protect the valuable art collections at the Prado Museum. He made sure the artworks were kept safe from harm.

In 1943, he became the director of the Padre Sarmiento Institute for Galician Studies. He also edited its journal, Cuadernos de Estudios Gallegos. That same year, he became a professor of Art History at the University of Madrid. He later served as the university's vice-rector from 1950 to 1958.

Sánchez Cantón was chosen to join several important Spanish academies. These are groups of experts who work to promote knowledge and culture. He joined the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (Royal Academy of Fine Arts) in 1925. He also joined the Real Academia de la Historia (Royal Academy of History) in 1934. In 1949, he became a member of the Real Academia Española (Royal Spanish Academy). This academy focuses on the Spanish language.

He became the director of the Royal Academy of History in 1956. In 1966, he became the director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. In 1960, he was named Director of the Prado Museum. When he retired in 1968, he was given the special title of honorary director. He passed away on November 27, 1971.

Francisco Javier Sánchez Cantón wrote many books and articles about art history. His writings helped people learn more about Spanish art and artists.

Awards and Honors

Francisco Javier Sánchez Cantón received several special honors for his work.

• In 1951, he was given the Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise (Grand Cross). This is a high honor from Spain.
• He also received the Argentinian Order of May.
• He was awarded the French Legion of Honour.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco Javier Sánchez Cantón para niños

• Maria Kusche, one of Sánchez Cantón's students