The Conquest of Huesca" by Ulpiano Checa

This painting is quite large; unfortunately, I couldn't ascertain its exact dimensions. However, it proudly hangs high above the central courtyard of the Museum in Siguenza. You can view it directly from the second-floor gallery.

It depicts the Battle of Alcoraz, an armed encounter that took place on November 15, 1096, near Huesca, involving Aragonese and Pamplona troops on one side and Muslim troops from Zaragoza supported by Castilian forces on the other.

Museum of Antique Religious Art of Sigüenza-Guadalajara’s Diocese

The Museum of Antique Religious Art of Sigüenza-Guadalajara’s Diocese is located in a 16th-century neoclassical small palace known as "The Barrena's Old House," which belonged to the Gamboa family for four hundred years until 1923. (In the last century, it served as a hotel, a neighbor's house, and a branch of a bank.) 

Don Lorenzo Bericiartúa Valerdi, while serving as bishop of this diocese, purchased the building in 1956 with the intention of converting it into the Diocese's Museum. However, it was his successor, Don Laureano Castán Lacoma, supported by the nuncio Luigi Dadaglio, who officially inaugurated it on May 11th, 1968. Initially, the exhibition only occupied the ground floor of the building, but in 1972, it was extended to include the first floor. Currently, the museum occupies the entire building.

Presentation: 16th Century Spanish Renaissance - The Styles, Secrets & Scandals

In the 16th century, Spain reigned supreme, its influence spanning the globe through trade, exploration, and relentless colonization. This era, spearheaded by Emperor Carlos V, witnessed Spain amass vast wealth. Part of this fortune stemmed from his inheritance of the Habsburg Empire, but the true treasure trove lay in the newly conquered domains of South and Central America, Florida, Cuba, and the Philippines. The vastness of this empire rivaled even the likes of Ancient Rome or Alexander the Great's Macedonia. 

And fueling this unprecedented prosperity was a veritable deluge of gold and silver discovered in the Americas. This golden age spurred the creation of daring and innovative architectural styles. Driven by the ambitions and ideals of the era, these structures were often testaments to Spain's power and prestige. Yet, beneath the dazzling facades lingered secrets and scandals, hinting at the darker side of this meteoric rise.

Presentation
16th Century Spanish Renaissance - The Styles, Secrets & Scandals

• When - Friday, Feb. 9, 2024
• Time - 4pm
• Where - Darocas Studio Benitachell
• Fee - Donation
• Talk & Slides presented
  by Karla Ingleton Darocas, BA. (Hons) 

REVIEW

"Having seen a large number of buildings of this era, 1500s and 1600s, it was enlightening to hear how the styles evolved and why. The explanations of the decoration and design of the buildings by the different architects has given me a better knowledge. The lecture was full of information and a real sense of that time. The lecture has prompted further research into various points mentioned for example... how saints are represented in art. I have said it before... I like Karla's natural everyday language when teaching. It makes the information easier to retain. I most definitely recommend Karla and SpainLifestyle.com to my friends".

 *Wendy Loxley - Javea