Apostle or Saint
The figure’s dynamic twist and its finish on three sides suggest that this sculpture stood on an outer corner of a retablos, or a multistoried altarpiece composed of sculptures and paintings. That larger ensemble, and the unidentified chapel or church of its origin, would have provided more clues to the bearded figure’s identity.
Berruguete visited Italy in the age of Michelangelo and returned to Spain to become one of the country’s most important sculptors. His expressive figures, often represented in dramatic movement, stand at the head of that country’s centuries-long tradition of carved and painted sculpture.
Berruguete visited Italy in the age of Michelangelo and returned to Spain to become one of the country’s most important sculptors. His expressive figures, often represented in dramatic movement, stand at the head of that country’s centuries-long tradition of carved and painted sculpture.
Artwork Details
- Title: Apostle or Saint
- Artist: Alonso Berruguete (Spanish, Parades de Nava (Palencia) ca. 1488–1561 Toledo)
- Date: ca. 1520s
- Culture: Spanish, Valladolid
- Medium: Polychrome and gilt walnut
- Dimensions: confirmed: 40 9/16 × 14 9/16 in., 65 lb. (103 × 37 cm, 29.5 kg)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of Fabrizio Moretti, in honor of Luke Syson, 2017
- Object Number: 2017.141
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
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Alonso Berruguete
1520s–30s
Returned to lender
Alonso Berruguete
mid 16th century
Hernando Solis
late 16th century
Diego de Pesquera
1567–68
Diego de Tiedra
mid-16th century
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