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Altarpiece of Archbishop Sancho de Rojas
Juan Rodríguez de Toledo | c. 1415–1420 | Tempera and gold on panel
Originally from the Monastery of San Benito el Real, Valladolid | Museo del Prado, Madrid
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Made by Toledan artist Juan Rodríguez de Toledo, this massive 532cm by 618cm mural was commissioned by the archbishop of Toledo and the namesake of the mural, Sancho de Rojas. During his rule from 1415 to 1422, Rojas was a supporter of Ferdinand and his legacy links Toledo’s ecclesiastical power with a broader vision of cultural and political influence across Castile and Aragon. These political beliefs are shown throughout the religious stories in the painting, as the central panel depicts the Virgin Mary places a mitre on Archbishop Sancho de Rojas, while the Christ Child crowns King Ferdinand I of Aragon. Near these central characters are Saint Benedict and Saint Bernard both saints who were leaders in the idea of Benedictine* law and rule.
A few Toledan artistic beliefs are present in this painting and Toledan art in general. The first one is the close relationship between religious icons and stories in paintings and the leaders and rulers of that time. This shows Toledo's role in strengthening political power and promotes a more unified connection between the church and crown. The second belief displayed is the spiritual and theological messaging in Toledan artwork. The Altarpiece's tiered stories reflect the belief in divine order, an important part of christian thought. Thirdly, the inclusion of Gothic and other art styles in Toledan work. The final belief demonstrated throughout Toledan art is Art as a Medium of Institutional and Personal Legacy, whether it is to add color to your grave site, become more memorable as a leader, or make your power more widespread, the power of comissioning art pieces for yourself shows up as a common theme throughout art and more specifically murals and altars in Toledo.
These works displayed in churches and other places of worship are huge and are also the perfect places to spread these messages and beliefs as a mural or retable is installed in prominent, highly visible spaces: cathedral apses, main chapels, or monastic choirs. That visibility meant they spoke not just to individuals, but to entire communities — clergy, laypeople, pilgrims, nobility. All in all, these few religious pieces shown here speak to many of Toledo's artistic belief's and are greatly important in understanding the needs and uses of art for the city.
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Benedictine* law is. a guide for monastic life, emphasizing obedience, community, prayer, and work.
Collezione : Toledan Art