The Prado Museum Incorporates a Sculpture by Luisa Roldán, La Roldana
The national art gallery announces a historic milestone by integrating a work by Luisa Roldán into its collection. This step recognizes the work of the first woman to achieve the official position of court sculptor in the royal court, a key figure of the Baroque whose presence in public collections had been limited. 🎨
Saint Michael the Archangel: a Masterpiece in Terracotta
The piece now entering the Prado depicts Saint Michael the Archangel. It is made in fired clay and polychromed, a technique in which Roldán demonstrated exceptional mastery. The sculpture captures the moment of defeating the demon, a theme that allowed the artist to deploy the dramatism and expressiveness characteristic of Spanish Baroque.
Technical and Artistic Characteristics of the Work:- Material: Fired clay (terracota) with polychrome application.
- Iconographic Theme: Saint Michael the Archangel in the act of defeating the demon.
- Style: Dynamic composition full of movement, typical of the Baroque.
The incorporation of La Roldana allows for a more complete and diverse art history to be told.
Expanding the Narrative of Spanish Baroque Art
This acquisition not only adds an exceptional work but also enriches the museum's historical narrative. It solidly includes the contribution of women artists, an aspect often overlooked. Roldán's professional trajectory, working in Seville, Cádiz, and Madrid, shows the active role some women had in the workshops and guilds of the time. ✨
Impact of the Incorporation:- Visibility: Gives prominence to a fundamental artist who was historically sidelined.
- Narrative Diversity: Offers a broader perspective on Spanish Baroque.
- Historical Reference: Evidences female participation in the official artistic structures of the 17th century.
A Step Toward a More Representative Catalog
With this move, the Prado advances toward a catalog that naturally reflects that Spanish Baroque was not sculpted only with men's hands. The presence of Luisa Roldán, La Roldana, sets a crucial precedent for rewriting and completing the art history preserved and exhibited in public institutions. 🏛️