Oh, this immediately does my heart so much good, I can't even tell you. I love John the Baptist dearly and to see him in the Baroque style looking like the OG he is means so much to me. Today is about his cousin, whose sandals he said he was unworthy to tie, but I still appreciate this underdog very much. The detail about rubbing / touching his feet impressed me, though. I wouldn't get to the point of revering him, I just have a deep respect and fondness of him. Anyway, this is amazing. I'm not used to Baroque sculpture in general, much less in color. To know that all of this is all made of wood is mind-blowing - the hair, clothing, skin, and features all look as they ought. To know that more than one artist participated in making that possible just adds to the wonder of it. It really is something.
Another great video! I live just across Central Park and just saw this but had no idea. You have prompted a trip back for sure (with mask of course) You both are fabulous and wish i could view all art with you in my ear prior! Bravi!
I’m curious as to why wood became so popular for sculptures in Spain. The only explanation I’m finding is that it’s a “warmer material than stone”. Was there something else driving this trend?
Spaniards always did their own way, almost stubbornly. While Europe got into Italian piano, and cello for example, Spaniards devoted themselves to classical guitar, organs and vihuelas. Same for sculpture, I think the use of wood lies in the same reason. Spanish sculpture had little or null foreign/Italian influence and, the use of wood followed the Spanish tradition . Also the themes were mostly religious, It was an alive art also seen in Easter processions. It is only a Guess, though. Cheers.
Beautiful Carving! Some thoughts - Would 'Juan Martinez Montanes' translate as 'John, son of Mars, or Martin, from the Mountain? The statue has a chin tuft like a ram, and the planet of Aries - the ram - is Mars. He is also wearing a sheepskin. His foot and left hand are leaning upon a rock - the mountain? And his right hand is pointing left and up to the mountain? His robe would suggest he is 'high-born' but he likely is a shepherd, thus the sheepskin; and the robe would be a tapestry to shield from the cold and double up as a bivouac. Perhaps this is a self-portrait, or of a brother, but given the name of J.B. by, or for, his sponsor, the church? J.B. was known as an older man, a High Priest who initiated Jesus; he typically would have carried a staff and worn white robes. Carved in 'living wood', rather than 'set in stone', suggests this could be a living man, not the saint.
In the Spanish world, people have two last names. So in this case, Martínez and Montañés are basically the artist’s last names. Not sure if this is true, but I understand Martínez basically comes from the Spanish name “Martín” just like Rodríguez basically comes from the name “Rodrigo” González from “Gonzálo” Alejándrez from “Alejandro” etc. As for the second last name, I’m not quite sure. Your suggestion makes sense because it does sound like something referring to a mountain. I’m a native speaker of Spanish, so to me, this word really seems to indicate an adjective used for a person who has some sort of connection to a mountain (like someone who basically “climbs mountains” or someone who “lives by the mountains” or “by a mountain” ). In any case, language may not always be simple, but it’s always fun to explore. 😊
I love these videos. As a blind person I cannot see the video . However your description of the work is phenomenal. Thank you so much.👍🙏
"the God of wood" was my nickname in highschool
Darn... you beat me to it.
You were right about me, I thought of "proper" figurative sculpture as stone or metal. Tx for the correction, this is a wonderful piece.
I’ve walked right past this a thousand times. Next time, I’ll stop and SEE it. Thank you!
What an exquisite piece. Thanks for introducing us all to it!
Oh, this immediately does my heart so much good, I can't even tell you. I love John the Baptist dearly and to see him in the Baroque style looking like the OG he is means so much to me. Today is about his cousin, whose sandals he said he was unworthy to tie, but I still appreciate this underdog very much. The detail about rubbing / touching his feet impressed me, though. I wouldn't get to the point of revering him, I just have a deep respect and fondness of him.
Anyway, this is amazing. I'm not used to Baroque sculpture in general, much less in color. To know that all of this is all made of wood is mind-blowing - the hair, clothing, skin, and features all look as they ought. To know that more than one artist participated in making that possible just adds to the wonder of it. It really is something.
Thanks for this, beautiful sculpture!
This channel is great. You guys are amazing.I love your videos!!!
Another great video! I live just across Central Park and just saw this but had no idea. You have prompted a trip back for sure (with mask of course) You both are fabulous and wish i could view all art with you in my ear prior! Bravi!
Beautiful sculpture!
this is so beautiful
Beautiful! Thank you!
Does the paint and poly chrome help preserve the wood better? You obviously don' t see many old wood sculptures.
Great video as always! As an art and history fanatic, these always make my day! Do you have a Patreon? Keep up the great work!
No but you can always donate here! smarthistory.org/financial-support/ and thanks!
I’m curious as to why wood became so popular for sculptures in Spain. The only explanation I’m finding is that it’s a “warmer material than stone”. Was there something else driving this trend?
Spaniards always did their own way, almost stubbornly. While Europe got into Italian piano, and cello for example, Spaniards devoted themselves to classical guitar, organs and vihuelas. Same for sculpture, I think the use of wood lies in the same reason. Spanish sculpture had little or null foreign/Italian influence and, the use of wood followed the Spanish tradition . Also the themes were mostly religious, It was an alive art also seen in Easter processions. It is only a Guess, though. Cheers.
bravo!
Beautiful Carving! Some thoughts - Would 'Juan Martinez Montanes' translate as 'John, son of Mars, or Martin, from the Mountain?
The statue has a chin tuft like a ram, and the planet of Aries - the ram - is Mars. He is also wearing a sheepskin. His foot and left hand are leaning upon a rock - the mountain? And his right hand is pointing left and up to the mountain? His robe would suggest he is 'high-born' but he likely is a shepherd, thus the sheepskin; and the robe would be a tapestry to shield from the cold and double up as a bivouac.
Perhaps this is a self-portrait, or of a brother, but given the name of J.B. by, or for, his sponsor, the church?
J.B. was known as an older man, a High Priest who initiated Jesus; he typically would have carried a staff and worn white robes. Carved in 'living wood', rather than 'set in stone', suggests this could be a living man, not the saint.
In the Spanish world, people have two last names. So in this case, Martínez and Montañés are basically the artist’s last names. Not sure if this is true, but I understand Martínez basically comes from the Spanish name “Martín” just like Rodríguez basically comes from the name “Rodrigo” González from “Gonzálo” Alejándrez from “Alejandro” etc. As for the second last name, I’m not quite sure. Your suggestion makes sense because it does sound like something referring to a mountain. I’m a native speaker of Spanish, so to me, this word really seems to indicate an adjective used for a person who has some sort of connection to a mountain (like someone who basically “climbs mountains” or someone who “lives by the mountains” or “by a mountain” ). In any case, language may not always be simple, but it’s always fun to explore. 😊
@@miguelidcomm Thank you for that :)
Torrigiano's San Jeronimo (also Seville) in terracotta is more lifelike than even this, and more emotional, less glamorous robes, less pompous.
Smoking Snake Oil Right Now. Tremendous Art.
Damn
@@jakobvanklinken runtz hybrid. I'm 10 videos deep , these videos have definitely made me laugh sometimes they're so well made
Handsome jesus
mate that's John the Baptist
This piano is too much.