Master of Ávila facts for kids
The Master of Ávila is the name given to a mystery painter from the 1400s. We don't know his real name, so "Master of Ávila" is a special name used for him. He worked in the city of Ávila and nearby areas in the middle of the 15th century. His painting style was similar to the Flemish style, like the artist Fernando Gallego.
Some art experts, like Elías Tormo, believe the Master of Ávila might have been a painter named García del Barco. We know García del Barco was working in Ávila between 1465 and 1473. However, no paintings are definitely known to be by García del Barco for sure.
Contents
What We Know About His Art
The main artwork that helps us understand the Master of Ávila's style is a three-panel painting called a triptych. This triptych shows the birth of Jesus. It was originally at a place called the Convent of the Conception. Today, you can see it at the Lázaro Galdiano Museum.
This painting looks a bit like some panels from a large church artwork, called an altarpiece, found in the Iglesia Mayor de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora in El Barco de Ávila. The Master of Ávila's style also seems connected to another artist, the Master of La Sisla, who might have been his student.
Other Paintings Thought to Be His
Other paintings that experts believe the Master of Ávila created include:
- Abrazo ante la Puerta Dorada (Embrace Before the Golden Gate) at the Church of San Vicente de Ávila.
- A triptych of Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas at the Museum of Vitoria.
- Altarpieces at the Churches of Saint Martin in Bonilla de la Sierra and Saint Peter at the Cathedral of Ávila.
- More recently, a painting called "Calvary" at the Museo del Prado was thought to be by Fernando Gallego. Now, experts believe it was painted by the Master of Ávila.
Who Was García del Barco?
García del Barco was an active painter in Ávila during the 1460s. Records show he sold a horse to a local church leader. By 1473, he was known as a "famous painter." Fernando Gallego hired him to work on an altarpiece for Coria Cathedral. García del Barco was also chosen to help settle any disagreements related to that project. Another person who helped settle disputes was Father Pedro de Salamanca, who some also think could be the Master of Ávila.
In 1476, García del Barco and another painter, Juan Rodríguez, were hired to paint the doors and ceilings of the Castillo de El Barco de Ávila. They used Moorish designs, which are patterns inspired by Islamic art. This work was recorded by a historian named Juan Agustín Ceán Bermúdez in his book about famous artists in Spain.
After 1492, García del Barco moved to Granada. He passed away sometime after 1498.
See also
In Spanish: Maestro de Ávila para niños
