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| Alonso Cano (1601–1667) | ||||||||||
| A Spanish artist active in Seville, Madrid, and Granada, Alonso Cano was celebrated in his lifetime as the 'Michelangelo of Spain' for his accomplishments in painting, sculpture, and architecture. He first trained as an architect under his father before turning to sculpture, in which he quickly excelled. In Seville he studied with Francisco Pacheco and later Juan del Castillo, producing important paintings for public buildings while also demonstrating his skill in statuary. He later moved to Madrid, where he was appointed royal architect and court painter, executing works for palaces and civic commissions. After being implicated in the death of his wife, Cano fled to Valencia but eventually returned to Madrid, later taking holy orders. His final position was chief architect of Granada Cathedral, which he held until his death. Critics of his time praised him as second only to Velázquez among Spanish painters, noting the correctness of his design, the inventiveness of his compositions, and the charm of his colour. As a sculptor, he showed a strong study of the antique in the dignity of his figures, the grandeur of their drapery, and the refinement of their form. In architecture, however, his style was considered overly ornate and influenced by prevailing fashions. Despite Cano's gifts, his eccentric personality and difficult character limited his legacy as a teacher, leaving few pupils of distinction. He died in Granada. | ||||||||||
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Art