Vasco de la Zarza facts for kids

Vasco de la Zarza was a famous Spanish sculptor during the time of the Renaissance. He was active between 1499 and 1524. Vasco de la Zarza mostly created artworks for the Cathedral of Avila and other churches in that city. He also made sculptures in other Spanish towns like Ampudia, Cuéllar, Olmedo, and Toledo.

Early Life and Art Style

Vasco de la Zarza might have been born in Toledo, Spain, though some people think he was from Portugal. We first hear about him in 1499. That year, he was asked to carve the altar tabernacle for the Ávila Cathedral. He finished this important work in 1508.

His art style shows influences from another sculptor named Domenico Fancelli. Many believe Vasco de la Zarza traveled to Italy when he was young. This trip would have allowed him to see and learn from Italian Renaissance art. This experience clearly shaped his unique sculpting style.

Important Sculptures

Vasco de la Zarza's most famous work is the tomb of Alonso Fernandez de Madrigal, created in 1518. This beautiful tomb is made from alabaster, a smooth, white stone. Alonso de Madrigal was a leading humanist, a scholar who focused on human values and achievements. The sculpture shows him writing at a special desk.

At the bottom of the tomb, you can see sculptures representing different good qualities, called virtues. Above them, there is a large round carving showing the Adoration of the Magi, which is when the Three Wise Men visited baby Jesus. Even higher up, a carved band shows the Wise Men riding their horses. At the very top, there is a scene of the Nativity, which is the birth of Jesus.

On the four side panels of the tomb, you can see the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) writing. These panels are surrounded by rich decorations. Above them are round carvings of saints, and even higher, several scenes from the life of Christ.

Vasco de la Zarza's last known work in Ávila was in 1522. It was the tabernacle for the main altar, also carved from alabaster. This piece features scenes from the Passion, which tells the story of Jesus's suffering. He is also believed to have made the tomb of Hernán Núñez de Arnalte, who was a treasurer for the Catholic Monarchs. He created many other works in Ávila and nearby areas.

Other Notable Works

In the province of Segovia, Vasco de la Zarza completed several tombs. He sculpted the tombs for Beltrán de la Cueva, 1st Duke of Alburquerque, his three wives, and his brother. These tombs are located in the church of the monastery of San Francisco in Cuéllar.

In the Toledo Cathedral, he carved the tombs of Alonso Carrillo de Albornoz and Inigo Lopez Carrillo de Mendoza in 1515. These are found in the chapel of San Ildefonso.

In the province of Valladolid, he worked with another famous sculptor, Alonso Berruguete. In 1523, they created the altarpiece for the chapel of the monastery in Olmedo, Valladolid.

Images for kids

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  Sepulchre of Alonso Fernandez de Madrigal by Vasco de la Zarza, Ávila Cathedral, 1518

See also

In Spanish: Vasco de la Zarza para niños