An Example of Romanist Altarpiece design in Campo de Montiel: The Altarpiece of Santa Catalina’s Church in La Solana (1576-1586)

Abstract

The altarpiece of Santa Catalina’s Church from La Solana was a clear example of the romanist altarpiece art in Ciudad Real’s province, in which outstanding masters worked, such as the woodcarvers Juan Ruiz Delvira “The Elder” and Luis Vellorino, along with the painters Pedro and Pablo de Cisneros. The altarpiece was lost during the civil war. However, thanks to the archival documentation and old photographs, this research was possible. It analyses the conditions and deadlines for the construction, painting and gilding; the financing price and sources, and the conflicts which took place between woodcarvers and painters. Finally, an artistic research of the work is made, comparing it with similar ones in its surroundings.