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

THE MAJESTIC 'VIRGIN OF THE CARTHUSIANS' BY FRANCISCO DE ZURBARÁN

I had to sit down to take in the full size of this huge painting of the Virgin of the Carthusians or the Virgin of the Caves or the Virgin of Mercy, 1655, by Francisco de Zurbarán, as it measures approximately 217 x 161 centimeters (or about 85.4 x 63.4 inches) in size.

ZURBARÁN'S FEMALE SAINTS: AWE-INSPIRING MASTERPIECES

I finally got to meet these beautiful ladies of Francisco de Zurbarán up close. It was amazing to get the opportunity to really appreciate the intricacies of these masterpieces. The meticulous rendering of fabrics decorated with intricate patterns and textures adds to the overall richness of the compositions and demonstrates Zurbarán's exceptional ability to capture minute details and textures.

WATCH * 3D ANIMATION OF GALATEA OF THE SPHERES * A DALI PORTRAIT

"Galatea of the Spheres"," painted by the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí in 1952, is a remarkable testimony to Dalí's unmistakable artistic style and his enthusiasm for the realms of science and mysticism. This masterpiece encompasses various facets that illuminate the complexity of Dalí's vision:

WATCH * UN CHIEN ANDALOU * SALVADOR DALI'S FIRST FILM

In 1929, Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989) collaborated in Paris with the Spanish film director and fellow student Luis Buñuel (1900 - 1983) on a film project that was so peculiar that it achieved legendary status. It was the first deliberate attempt to shock the audience.

WATCH DESTINO * SENSATIONAL SURREALIST MAGIC

Destino was an animated short film that resulted from a collaboration between Walt Disney and the Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. The music, composed by Mexican songwriter Armando Domínguez and performed by Mexican singer Dora Luz, accompanied the captivating images.

SEVILLE'S ARTISTIC TREASURES: PEDRO DE MENA'S MASTERPIECES

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville, where I saw three exquisite wooden masterpieces by my favourite 17th century artist and sculptor, Pedro de Mena y Medrano. This Spanish Baroque sculptor, who was born in Granada in August 1628 and died in Málaga on 13 October 1688, had a profound impact on the world of art.

DIVINE ESSENCE: MURILLO'S 'VIRGIN OF THE NAPKIN

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's "The Virgin of the Napkin" is a captivating masterpiece that captures the divine essence of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus. The painting was made in 1666 for the Capuchin Church in Seville. It measures 67 by 72 centimetres and remains one of the most popular depictions of the Virgin Mary. I took my time, sat down on a bench and admired this iconic work of art in the Fine Arts Museum in Seville.