Spanish Renaissance Sculpture: Berruguete and Juan de Juni

Spanish Renaissance Sculpture and Mannerism

During the Spanish Renaissance, classicism emerged, causing Gothic remnants to disappear completely. However, much of Spanish Renaissance sculpture is characterized by Mannerism. The primary artistic center for this movement was Valladolid.

Alonso Berruguete: The Master of Expression

Alonso Berruguete, son of the painter Pedro Berruguete, was trained in Italy. His work shows a heavy influence from Italian artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo. Despite these influences, he created a unique style defined by the pronounced elongation of figures, expressions of anguish, and unstable positions.

Key Works of Alonso Berruguete

• Retablo de la Mejorada de Olmedo: In this altarpiece, Berruguete created polychrome figures using the estofado technique. The figures are elongated, with marked bony expressions and unstable stances.
• Altarpiece of the Church of Santiago in Valladolid: The Adoration of the Magi features a symmetrical composition and conveys a strong impression of movement.
• Retablo de San Benito in Valladolid: This work includes reliefs, paintings, and free-standing sculptures. The altarpiece features the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, Saint Christopher, and the Sacrifice of Isaac.

The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian is attached to a winding trunk that fits the figure's form. It is a clear example of Berruguete's typical unstable positioning. The sculpture shows a face of anguish during the martyrdom and demonstrates a masterful study of the nude.

The Sacrifice of Isaac

In the Sacrifice of Isaac, the influence of the Laocoön is evident, particularly in the tragic expressions on the faces.

Works in Toledo

• Choir Stalls of the Cathedral of Toledo: Berruguete worked on these in collaboration with Felipe Vigarny. Much of the work is carved in walnut and remains unpolychromed. It features figures such as Saint Sebastian, Job, Adam, and Eve.
• Tomb of Cardinal Tavera: This is a free-standing tomb showing the recumbent Cardinal. His face is realistically represented and well-executed compared to reality. The decoration is typical of the Renaissance style.

Juan de Juni: Volume and Pathos

Juan de Juni was influenced by Italian artists of the Quattrocento and Cinquecento, such as Jacopo della Quercia and Michelangelo. Unlike Berruguete, Juni sculpted his figures with rounded volumes.

The Entombment of Christ

This is a well-ordered composition. Saint John and the Virgin Mary are positioned in the center, flanked by two figures acting as parentheses. Christ is shown recumbent. The work reflects a pathetic feeling of great physical and spiritual pain, expressed vividly through the faces and gestures of the figures.