Spanish

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Spanish sculpture is especially known for its tradition of polychrome wood carving, or imaginería, which reached its peak in the 17th century. Spanish sculptors created intensely realistic religious figures painted in lifelike colors for churches and processional use. Masters like Juan Martínez Montañés, Alonso Cano, and Pedro de Mena produced devotional works of startling emotional power.

Works in our collection attributed to "Spanish" come from this broad tradition without a confirmed individual maker. Our collection includes 5 Spanish works at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Sculptures by Spanish

5 sculptures catalogued with museum locations. Browse all sculptures

Sculpture

Lintel Support with Lion

Spanish, 1125

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

Museums with Spanish's Work

1 museum displays Spanish's works. Click any museum to see visiting info and the specific works they hold.

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

5 works on display

Saint Michael and the Devil

Seated Madonna and Child

About Spanish

Spain's greatest contribution to sculpture is polychrome wood carving (imaginería), producing intensely realistic religious figures painted in lifelike colors for churches and Holy Week processions.

The 17th century was the golden age of Spanish sculpture. Masters like Montañés, Cano, and Mena created devotional figures with an emotional realism unmatched in European art.

The Art Institute of Chicago has examples. Spain's finest collections are in the National Sculpture Museum in Valladolid and the cathedrals of Seville and Granada.