Velázquez, Michelangelo, and a Nun’s journey: Art and Inspiration Converge
Table of Contents
- 1. Velázquez, Michelangelo, and a Nun’s journey: Art and Inspiration Converge
- 2. Mother Jerónima: A Life of Devotion
- 3. Michelangelo’s Influence: The Bronze Corpus
- 4. An Exhibition of Inspiration: TEFAF Maastricht
- 5. Beyond the Names: Exploring the Stories
- 6. Themes of Faith and Art
- 7. A Call to Reflection
- 8. The Nun Jerónima de la Fuente: Art, Faith, and Influence
- 9. Velázquez’s Masterpiece: Detailing Sainthood
- 10. The Mystery of the Crucifix
- 11. Jerónima’s Strength and Devotion
- 12. The Michelangelo Corpus: Origin and Influence
- 13. Art’s Personal and Transcendent Nature
- 14. Conclusion: Reflecting on Art and Faith
- 15. What makes the pairing of Velázquez’s portrait and the Michelangelo-esque bronze corpus so significant for this exhibition?
- 16. Archyde Exclusive: An Interview with Art Historian dr. Amara vermeer
- 17. Unveiling the Stories Behind Velázquez, Michelangelo, and Mother Jerónima de la Fuente
- 18. Archyde (A): Mother Jerónima de la Fuente is an intriguing figure whose life story is as captivating as the artworks themselves. Can you tell us more about her?
- 19. A: Velázquez’s portrait is paired with a bronze corpus attributed to Michelangelo. What makes this artwork so significant?
- 20. A: Stuart Lochhead, the exhibition’s curator, emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the famous names.What are some of the stories that viewers should consider?
- 21. A: Art often transcends its creators, belonging to those who inspired it. How do these masterpieces resonate with us today?
- 22. A: Speaking of reflection, what is one thought you’d like readers to take away from this interview and the upcoming exhibition?
- 23. A Call to Reflection: Visit TEFAF Maastricht and Explore the Enduring Legacy of Art and Inspiration
A interesting intersection of art and faith is set to captivate audiences as Velázquez’s portrait of mother Jerónima de la Fuente is displayed alongside a bronze cast attributed to Michelangelo. This unique pairing offers a glimpse into the lives and inspirations of these artistic giants and the remarkable nun who connected them across continents.
Mother Jerónima: A Life of Devotion
In 1620, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez, a young artist in Seville, received a commission that would forever link his name to a woman of unwavering faith. He was tasked with painting Mother Jerónima de la Fuente, an “intrepid nun” preparing for a long and arduous journey.
Velázquez’s portrait captures “a shrewd, formidable woman in late middle age,” clutching a book and a crucifix. This image foreshadows her amazing voyage: at 66 years old, Mother Jerónima embarked on a voyage to Mexico, traversed the country, and sailed across the Pacific Ocean to establish the first convent in the Philippines, where she lived for another decade.
Michelangelo’s Influence: The Bronze Corpus
accompanying the portrait of Mother Jerónima is a 25cm bronze corpus, believed to have been modeled by Michelangelo himself. It depicts Christ “turned towards the viewer, his left leg crossed slightly over his right and his body fixed to the instrument of his death by four nails: one through each palm; one through each foot.” This bronze is said to have inspired the crucifix held by Mother jerónima in her portrait.
An Exhibition of Inspiration: TEFAF Maastricht
Starting March 15, the Velázquez portrait and the Michelangelo-esque bronze corpus will be on display at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, Netherlands. The bronze corpus is priced at €1.8 million (approximately £1.5 million). While no estimate for the Velázquez has been given, previous sales offer context; his portrait of Saint Rufina sold for £8.4 million in 2007.
Beyond the Names: Exploring the Stories
Stuart Lochhead emphasizes that the exhibition isn’t just about the famous names.”Dizzying as the likely prices are,” he says, “the aim of the side-by-side exhibition is to look beyond the marquee names of Velázquez and Michelangelo, and to explore the stories behind the two works, not least those of the two women who helped inspire them.”
Lochhead suggests that Michelangelo’s “close, platonic relationship with the poet and noblewoman Vittoria Colonna, Marchioness of Pescara,” influenced the bronze’s design. Colonna, who shared Michelangelo’s faith and love of art, gifted him a book of poetry in 1540. One verse, “Let the holy nails from now on be my quills, and the precious blood my pure ink, my lined paper the sacred lifeless body,” might have resonated deeply.
Themes of Faith and Art
Lochhead notes, “It’s also very similar to the large wooden corpus he does in Santo Spirito when he’s very young… I think it’s a theme and an idea that he’s been developing all his life and it sort of coalesces around his relationship with Vittoria Colonna and his investigation of spirituality and religion at that moment in his life.”
A Call to Reflection
This exhibition presents a rare opportunity to delve into the intertwined narratives of art, faith, and the human spirit. By showcasing the works of Velázquez and Michelangelo alongside the story of Mother Jerónima, viewers are invited to consider the profound impact of inspiration and devotion on artistic creation. Visit the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht to experience this remarkable collection and contemplate the enduring legacy of these extraordinary figures.
The Nun Jerónima de la Fuente: Art, Faith, and Influence
Explore the intersection of art, faith, and personal stories behind the iconic portrait of The Nun Jerónima de la Fuente. This article delves into the details surrounding Velázquez’s painting and a related Michelangelo corpus,offering fresh perspectives and in-depth analysis.
Velázquez’s Masterpiece: Detailing Sainthood
Velázquez captured both the aged physical features and the sainthood of The Nun Jerónima de la Fuente. Vicente Carducho noted in his 1633 treatise, Diálogos de la Pintura, that Jerónima “evokes the legitimate love of parents, siblings, relatives, or friends” and eased the pain of absence felt by the “house of nuns” in Toledo.
The Mystery of the Crucifix
A bronze cast of Michelangelo’s corpus arrived in Seville in 1597, becoming wildly popular. Francisco Pacheco,velázquez’s teacher and father-in-law,painted a polychromatic version of it. This raises a tantalizing question about the crucifix in Mother Jerónima’s hand: “Was it hers that she brought? Or was it pacheco’s? Was it always there in the workshop, so was it something she was handed?”
Jerónima’s Strength and Devotion
The nun’s demeanor suggests unwavering devotion. According to one art dealer, “She has this strength and this power…She’s on this epic voyage. But no one knew if she’d ever get there – or what she’d do – before she left.” Her holding the crucifix and turning towards the viewer suggests she was “keen to show it.”
The Michelangelo Corpus: Origin and Influence
The corpus going on display is believed to have originated from a workshop in Rome,possibly Della Porta’s.Its four-nail design influenced artists such as Francisco de Zurbarán, José de Ribera, and Francisco de Goya.
Art’s Personal and Transcendent Nature
Art transcends its creators and belongs to those who inspire it.“We’re able to understand why these things were made – their backstory and who influenced them,” says Lochhead. “So we’re bringing in the influence of Vittoria Colonna and Jerónima into the creation of two works of art, which normally you’d look at and say: ‘Well, these were made by the great artists and that’s the end of the story.’ But it’s not.”
Conclusion: Reflecting on Art and Faith
The story of The Nun Jerónima de la Fuente and the Michelangelo corpus invites us to reflect on the profound connections between art, faith, and personal experience. Explore these masterpieces further and consider how they resonate with your own life and beliefs. Share this article to spark conversations about the enduring power of art and its ability to connect us to the past.
What makes the pairing of Velázquez’s portrait and the Michelangelo-esque bronze corpus so significant for this exhibition?
Archyde Exclusive: An Interview with Art Historian dr. Amara vermeer
Unveiling the Stories Behind Velázquez, Michelangelo, and Mother Jerónima de la Fuente
Dr. Amara Vermeer, a renowned art historian specializing in Spanish and Italian art of the 16th and 17th centuries, sat down with Archyde to discuss the upcoming exhibition at TEFAF Maastricht, which brings together Velázquez’s portrait of Mother Jerónima de la Fuente and a bronze corpus attributed to Michelangelo. This interview offers unique insights and behind-the-scenes data about these extraordinary artworks.
Archyde (A): Mother Jerónima de la Fuente is an intriguing figure whose life story is as captivating as the artworks themselves. Can you tell us more about her?
Dr. Amara Vermeer (AV): Absolutely. Mother Jerónima de la Fuente was a remarkable woman whose devotion and courage inspired those around her. Born into a noble family,she joined an Augustinian convent in Toledo at a young age. In 1620, at the age of 66, she undertook an remarkable journey to establish the first convent in the Philippines. Velázquez captured her essence in his portrait – a woman of unyielding faith and determination, clutching a crucifix and a book, ready to face the challenges ahead.
A: Velázquez’s portrait is paired with a bronze corpus attributed to Michelangelo. What makes this artwork so significant?
AV: The bronze corpus is a stunning example of Michelangelo’s artistry and a remarkable testament to his influence on artists centuries after his time. The four-nail design, depicting Christ turned towards the viewer, was incredibly popular and inspired numerous artists, from Francisco de Zurbarán to Francisco de Goya. It’s believed that this particular corpus was cast in a workshop in Rome, possibly by Jacopoamucci or Pietro Torrigiano. Its presence alongside Velázquez’s portrait invites us to explore the timeless themes of faith, devotion, and artistic influence.
A: Stuart Lochhead, the exhibition’s curator, emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the famous names.What are some of the stories that viewers should consider?
AV: lochhead is absolutely right. While Velázquez and Michelangelo are undeniably remarkable,the stories behind the women who inspired them add incredible depth to these artworks. Along with Mother Jerónima, we should consider the influence of Vittoria Colonna, Marchioness of Pescara, on Michelangelo. Their close, platonic relationship may have inspired the design of the bronze corpus. Exploring these connections helps us appreciate the profound impact of personal experiences on artistic creation.
A: Art often transcends its creators, belonging to those who inspired it. How do these masterpieces resonate with us today?
AV: They resonate in many ways. Firstly,they remind us of the enduring power of faith and devotion,regardless of the era. Secondly, they highlight the importance of embracing challenges, much like Mother jerónima did in her epic voyage. Lastly, they underscore the interconnectedness of the human experience, with art being a universal language that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. These masterpieces invite us to reflect on our own lives, beliefs, and inspirations, fostering a deeper connection to the past and to one another.
A: Speaking of reflection, what is one thought you’d like readers to take away from this interview and the upcoming exhibition?
AV: I’d like readers to consider the transformative power of art and inspiration. Both Mother Jerónima and the artists who immortalized her touched lives across centuries.The exhibition at TEFAF Maastricht serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to inspire and be inspired, leaving our unique mark on the world, much like these extraordinary figures did.
A Call to Reflection: Visit TEFAF Maastricht and Explore the Enduring Legacy of Art and Inspiration
The Velázquez portrait and the Michelangelo-esque bronze corpus will be on display at TEFAF Maastricht from March 15 to 24, 2025. Don’t miss this rare chance to delve into the intertwined narratives of art, faith, and the human spirit, and to consider the profound impact of inspiration and devotion on artistic creation.
