Master Mateo facts for kids

Master Mateo (born around 1150, died around 1200 or 1217) was a very talented artist from the Middle Ages. He was both a sculptor, who carved amazing statues, and an architect, who designed buildings. He worked in the Christian kingdoms of Spain during the late 1100s.

Mateo is most famous for creating the incredible Pórtico de la Gloria (Portico of Glory) at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is a beautiful entrance with many detailed sculptures. He also built a stone choir inside the same cathedral around 1200, but sadly, it was taken down in 1603.

Who Was Master Mateo?

We don't know a lot about Master Mateo's early life or where he learned his skills. The first official record we have of him is from 1168. This document, found in the archives of the Santiago Cathedral, says that he was already working on the cathedral. It also mentions that King Ferdinand II of León paid him a large sum of money for his work. This shows how important and skilled he was, even back then!

Many experts believe that Mateo had already worked on many projects before coming to Santiago. It's thought he might have gained a lot of experience along the famous Way of Santiago, especially in the parts that go through France. This long journey, known as the Camino de Santiago, was a popular route for pilgrims, and many beautiful churches and artworks were created along it.

The Pórtico de la Gloria

Master Mateo's greatest masterpiece is without a doubt the Pórtico de la Gloria. This amazing stone doorway is at the main entrance of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It's like a giant story carved in stone.

The portico has three arches and is filled with more than 200 sculptures. These figures show scenes from the Bible, like the Last Judgment and different saints. Each statue is very detailed and shows a lot of emotion. Mateo and his team worked on this project for many years, and it was finished around 1188.

The sculptures are known for their lifelike expressions and the way they seem to move. This was very new and exciting for art in the 12th century. The Pórtico de la Gloria is a perfect example of Romanesque art, which was a popular style at the time. It also shows early signs of the Gothic style, which came later.

Mateo's Legacy

Master Mateo's work had a big impact on art and architecture in Spain. His detailed sculptures and grand designs influenced many artists who came after him. Even though some of his work, like the stone choir, no longer exists, the Pórtico de la Gloria stands as a testament to his incredible talent. It continues to amaze visitors from all over the world.

Mateo was more than just a craftsman; he was an artist who brought stone to life. His contributions helped shape the artistic landscape of medieval Spain.

See also

In Spanish: Maestro Mateo para niños