Spain

16th century Spanish drawings

Anon., Spanish school, design for an altarpiece or tabernacle, late 16th century, pencil, wash, 28 x 18 cm., Museo del Prado

‘A design for an architectural structure with a centred predella panel, finished with an ornamental dome which is pierced with an oculus, and a lantern with a small dome. It has lateral columns in a Composite order. The façade is topped by an open pediment supporting a carved cartouche with the dove of the Holy Spirit, and closed by doors decorated with images of the four Evangelists. At the ends of the cornice, sculptures of young angels stand with shields. The predella panel is decorated with rinceaux, morphing figures and cartouches. It is traceable to the end of the 16th century, and could be connected to Juan de Herrera, although it is also reminiscent of the Plateresque style.’