Manuel Tolsá Facts for Kids

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Tolsá and the second or maternal family name is Sarrión.

Portrait of Manuel Tolsá, painted by Rafael Ximeno y Planes

Bust of Manuel Tolsá, made by Martín Soriano

Manuel Tolsá (born May 4, 1757, in Enguera, Spain – died December 24, 1816, in Mexico City) was a very active and important architect and sculptor. He worked in both Spain and Mexico. His style was called Neoclassical, which means it was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art. Manuel Tolsá was also the first director of the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City.

Manuel Tolsá's Life Story
Famous Works in Mexico
Images for kids
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Manuel Tolsá's Life Story

Manuel Tolsá studied art and architecture at important schools in Spain. He went to the Royal Academy of San Carlos in Valencia and the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. He learned sculpture from a teacher named José Puchol. For architecture, his teachers were Ribelles, Gascó, and Gilabert.

In Spain, Tolsá was a sculptor for the king. He also held important positions in government groups that dealt with trade and mining. In 1790, he was chosen to be the director of sculpture at the new Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City.

He sailed from Cádiz, Spain, in February 1791. He brought many useful things with him to New Spain (which is now Mexico). These included books, tools for his work, and plaster copies of famous old sculptures from the Vatican Museum. When he arrived in the port of Veracruz, he married María Luisa de Sanz Téllez Girón y Espinosa.

When Tolsá reached Mexico City, the local government, called the ayuntamiento, gave him important jobs. He was put in charge of the city's water and drainage systems. He also had to replant the Alameda park in the city center. He did these jobs without getting paid.

After that, he focused on the artistic and building projects he is famous for today. He also made furniture and decorations for altars, like candle holders and crucifixes. He even cast cannons, opened a bathhouse, built coaches, and started a kiln (a special oven for baking clay). Tolsá gave a collection of molds, figures, and 300 medals and coins to the Academy of San Carlos.

Manuel Tolsá passed away in 1816. He was buried in the church of Santa Veracruz, and later his remains were moved to San Fernando.

Famous Works in Mexico

Manuel Tolsá created many amazing buildings and sculptures in Mexico. Here are some of his most famous projects:

Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral: He finished the work on this huge church, including its dome and front. This was completed in 1813.
Palacio de Minería: This important building in Mexico City was built between 1797 and 1813.
Equestrian statue of Charles IV (known as El Caballito): This famous statue of a king on a horse was made between 1796 and 1803. It was cast (poured in metal) on August 4, 1802. A famous explorer, Alexander von Humboldt, said this statue was more beautiful than almost any other horse statue in Europe, except for one in Rome.
Old Palace of Buenavista: This building is now the Museum of San Carlos.
Palace of the Marqués del Apartado: This palace is in front of the Templo Mayor in Mexico City. It was finished in 1810.
Main Altar of Puebla Cathedral: He designed the main altar for the Cathedral in Puebla. He also made a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary there.
Main Altars: He designed the main altars for the church of Santo Domingo and the church of La Profesa.
Altar "La Purísima Concepción": This altar is also in the church of La Profesa.
Plans for Hospicio Cabañas: He drew the plans for the Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara. This building became a World Heritage Site in 1997.
Bronze Statues of Jesus: These statues are in the Cathedral of Morelia.
Church of Loreto: He designed the Neoclassical (Greek and Roman style) part of this church.
Celda de la Marquesa de Selva Nevada: This was a special room in the old convent of Regina Porta Coeli. Today, it is part of the Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana in Mexico City.