Juan Sánchez CotánBy- Natalie Ruybal, Aisha Warsame, Paulina Colis, Wendy Vilchis

Biography:Summary

● Born on June 25, 1561 in Orgaz (near Toledo, Spain)

● Was a disciple of Blas de Prado, a famous painter of still arts at the

time.

● Studied for 20 years and pursued career of artist, patronized by the

city’s aristocracy

● Painted religious scenes, portraits and still lifes

● At age 43, decided to become a monk and join the Carthusian

Monastery in Santa Maria de El Paular

● Following year became a brother Carthusian Order in Granada

● Continued painting religious works at the Monastery.

● Died on September 8, 1627 in Granada, Spain

Biography cont... Early Life

● Cotán Sanchez was baptized on June 25,

● his parents were Bartolomé Sánchez de Plasencia and

Catherine Ramos.

● baptismal certificate, released by Emilio Orozco Díaz,

● This has raised some doubts in it does not match the

name of the mother with giving the painter in his will of

1603, which said Ana Quinones son, also named had a

sister.

Biography cont… Middle life

● When Cotán’s career as a painter started he was highly influenced

by Spanish painters who worked on El Escorial such as Luca

Cambiasi, and Juan Fernández Navarrete.

● Worked in Toledo, Spain as a disciple of Blas de Prado who praised

him by saying he “is excelled in painting fruit.”

● During the 20 years of his apprenticeship, Prado made frequent

stops to the El Escorial which is where Cotán found his inspiration.

● He became more influence by Mannerism, the art period before

Baroque.

● Cotán’s learning relationship with Prado turned into a friendship

which was accredited to the year of Prado’s death in 1599.

Biography cont… Late Life

● In the year 1603, he became a part of the Carthusian monastery

Santa Maria de El Paular.

● Later on he became a monk, but still painted religious figures

● These works of art were all well featured in his monastery

● Even though he was away from the world, his influence was very

strong and later on he went on to influencing other artists

● Eventually ended his life as a very much loved saint

● Died in 1627, in Granada.

Painting 1Name: The Miracle of Saint Francis

About the Painting:

● This painting depicts intense emotion, as seen on the faces of the people

● dark contrast of the colors gives it the dramatic effect of a baroque style.

● Cotán was especially skilled in shadowing and realism

My Critique: I find that this piece really shows specific detail in every person’s face and the emotion they express. It’s easy to see the artist’s sharp eye for definity in each and every item and character in the painting. Even the people and things in the background are very intricate and portrayed differently from one another.

Painting 2Name: The Vision of St. John the Evangelist on Patmos

About the Painting:

● Includes important religious figures ( St.John and virgin Mary)

● Dramatic emotions such as anger and hate by having a dragon in background with many heads

● Colors are dark, toned down have a serious vibe

● Calm and serene faces on both St. John and virgin Mary

My Critique: I find this picture interesting because it includes virgin Mary and in the background. Shows a strong sense of religious influence that happened in Cotan’s life.

Painting 3Name: Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber

About the Painting: ● Painted 1602; oil on canvas● Still life painting; certain objects are placed

specifically somewhere and then are painted. ● The objects seem to be arranged so that it is close

enough to touch but are spaced out differently. ● Use of everyday fruits and vegetables shows

simplicity; placement is in a parabolic curve. ● Each object is isolated but are highlighted by the

black background so that the color pops out.● Use of naturalism enhances the detail and shows a

baroque art characteristic. My Critique: This painting is a great example of light and shadowing because it creates a dramatic effect. Cotán created this over 400 years ago but it looks like it was painted by a modern artist. Overall, this painting is one that is worthy of great recognition.

Can be found in the San Diego Museum of Art

Painting 4Name: Still life with flowers, vegetables, and a basket of cherries

About the Painting:

● This painting is simple like baroque art

● its still simple but the flowers and cherries have a grand feel to it

● since it is still art it is something not normal, bringing emotions of wonder and curiosity

My Critique: In my opinion this piece of art is very beautiful with the flowers and it does bring this emotions of curiosity and wonder of why these flowers are placed the way they are.

Thanks for watching!