Spanish school of the 16th century. Circle of JUAN DE ANCHIETA (Azpeitia, Guipúzcoa, c. 1540 - Pamplona, 1588).
"Franciscan Saint".
Carved, polychromed and gilded wood.
Measurements: 110 cm (height).
Due to its style, this work can be related to the circle of Juan de Anchieta, a Baroque sculptor belonging to the Romanist School, a current of Spanish Mannerism which shows a marked influence of the Italian authors who worked in Rome, especially Raphael and Michelangelo. The Romanist style is particularly characterised by its monumentality and powerful anatomies, features that can be clearly seen in this carving. In fact, Juan de Anchieta probably trained in Italy, as his style reveals the influence of Italian masters, although there is no documentation to support this trip. By 1565 Anchieta was in Valladolid, but shortly afterwards he was in Briviesca, presumably working with Gaspar Becerra on an altarpiece for the church of the convent of Santa Clara. In fact, Anchieta's style shows the influence of Becerra's mannerism, enriched with the classicism of contemporary Roman sculpture. It is thought that the sculptor returned to work with Becerra around 1558 on an altarpiece. On this occasion we are faced with a representation of a Franciscan saint in a habit profusely decorated with gold brocade.