Spanish

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.