Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe's Sacristy

It is considered as the Sixtine Chapel of Extremadura, the sacristy of the Royal Monastery of Guadalupe is a complete museum where some of the greatests Zurbaran's masterpieces are.

By María Dolores Gómez Tamayo.

Saint Jerome's Apohteosis - Zurbarán

The Sacristy of the Monastery of Guadalupe (1638) is a rectangular nave divided into five semi-circular vaults and adorned with Zurbaran's canvas, because of the beauty of the place it is called the Sixtine Chapel of Extremadura.

The vestry represents the Divine and the Human features of Catholicism and and Humankind. From the Human point of view the canvas representing Brother Peter of Alcantara's Vision and Brother Gonzalo of Illescas' Portrait at the entrance. Meanwhile the Divine feature is realized by Brother Andrew of Salmeron's Vision and Brother Diego of Orgaz's Portrait.

Moreover virtues are also represented in some canvas, Brother Martin de Vizcaya embodies charity by means of giving alms to the needy. Whereas Hope and the Good Death are also represented.

Father Cabañuelas and Brother Fernando Yánez canvas emphasize kindness and virtues of religious life.

After the entrance to the sacristy we get Saint Jerome's Chapel to contemplate Saint Jerome's Apohteosis or Triumph, this canvas is considered as one of Zurbarán's masterpieces.

Back

PrintSend