Our Art History Group continued their studies into the Golden Age of Spanish Art with Jennifer on Friday 23 January 2026.

Jennifer started with a quick revision showing the influence of Zubaran, and analysing the significance of the various elements that were included in his works. Many of the commissions were to paint the visions that had been experienced by those who had been made saints. Ribalta was a contemporary of Zubaran, and painted similar subjects.

Jennifer then analysed the paintings of visions, classifying them into Corporeal (a physical apparition) and Incorporeal (the subject alone experiences the apparition). We then looked at examples by Velazquez showing the key elements of the visions in Spanish art and how they differed from the art of other countries.

Many of the painter and sculptors concentrated on the same religious topics for their works, and Jennifer was able to show several versions of each topic making comparisons based on the sponsor and on the period.

We then moved on to Alonso Cano, known as the Spanish Michelangelo. He was a painter, a sculptor and an architect, and we were able to see several of his paintings and his sculptures. His facade for the entrance to Granada Catherdral can still be seen today.

After a quick break for refreshments, we returned to the “Fab Four” for a comparison of the statues of David by Bernini, by Donatello and by Michelangelo. and then an analysis of the most theatrical Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, where the building had been altered in order to light the intricately carved figures.

Our programme of the Golden Age of Spanish Art continues on Friday 06 February 2026 at 10:00am.