Juan Bautista Vázquez the Elder facts for kids
Juan Bautista Vázquez el Viejo (born in 1510 in Pelayos, province of Salamanca, Spain – died on June 12, 1588, in Llerena, Spain) was a very important Spanish sculptor. He was known for his elegant style and for helping to shape the "Sevillian school of sculpture." This was a group of artists in Seville who developed a special way of creating sculptures.
Early Life and Training
Juan Bautista Vázquez was born in a town called Pelayos. When he was a small child, his family moved to Ávila. There, he lived near the main market square. He began learning how to sculpt in the workshop of another artist named Vasco de la Zarza.
It is believed that after learning in Ávila, he traveled to Italy. In Italy, he likely saw many beautiful artworks. This trip helped his sculpting style become more graceful and refined.
Moving to Toledo and Seville
In 1554, Juan Bautista Vázquez moved to Toledo. He created several artworks there. Some of his pieces can be found in the Toledo Cathedral, the church of Santa María la Blanca, and the church of Almonacid de Zorita.
A few years later, in 1558, he was asked to return to Ávila. He needed to finish a large artwork called an altarpiece for the Charterhouse of Seville. An altarpiece is a work of art that stands behind the altar in a church. Another sculptor, Isidro de Villoldo, had started it but passed away before finishing.
In 1561, Vázquez moved to Seville to complete this important altarpiece. He decided to stay in Seville and set up his own workshop.
His Workshop and Influence
Juan Bautista Vázquez's workshop in Seville became very famous. He worked with many other talented artists. These included his brother-in-law, Juan de Oviedo the Elder, along with Miguel de Adán, Gaspar del Águila, and Jerónimo Hernández.
This workshop played a huge role in developing the unique style of sculpture known as the Sevillian school of sculpture. They created many significant artworks, including:
- Adding to the main altarpiece of the Cathedral of Seville.
- Works for the Church of Saint Mary in Carmona (1563).
- Decorations for a special royal ship called the Real galley (1570).
- Sculptures for the Church of Saint Matthew in Lucena (1572).
- Art for the Church of Saint Mary in Medina Sidonia (1575).
He also sculpted the famous Virgin of the Fevers (Spanish: Virgen de las Fiebres). This beautiful statue is located in Seville's Church of Saint Mary Magdalene.
Juan Bautista Vázquez el Viejo passed away in Llerena, Spain, in 1588. His artistic legacy was very important for Spanish sculpture.
