HURTADO IZQUIERDO, Francisco

The most aesthetically remarkable, although less documented, work of the Andalusian Baroque was the Sagrario of the Carthusian monastery in Granada. It is known only that the building was planned in 1713 but not begun until 1732. The compact single nave structure is animated by the exuberant plasticity of the decoration of its structural elements, the pilasters, which remain clearly visible in spite of the luxuriant stucco ornamentation. No fewer than forty-five standard classical motifs cover the wall surfaces. Although the realization of this structure was mainly placed in the care of assistants, Hurtado’s responsibility for the design seems undisputed.

Hurtado’s first important work was the renovation of the Sagrario, the sanctuary of the Carthusian monastery of Granada. He designed the tabernacle as an over-sized shrine, the shell of which is a square space with a dome vault.Sculptures decorate the base and black Solomonic columns support the richly ornate baldacchino.

In 1718, Hurtado designed another Sagrario, modeled on the Granada structure, for the Carthusian monastery of El Paular. Here the sanctuary - realized by Teodosio S�nchez de Rueda (1677-before 1731) - was divided into two areas. The marble and jasper tabernacle was set at the centre of the first area, an architectural caprice several storeys high, with four external piers and an internal ring of supports. The space behind this was lit by two circular windows over the upper cornice. The beams of light and the gilding of the retable provide a dramatic contrast with the darker sanctuary.

The sculptures are by Pedro Duque Cornejo.

In 1718, Hurtado designed another Sagrario, modeled on the Granada structure, for the Carthusian monastery of El Paular. Here the sanctuary - realized by Teodosio S�nchez de Rueda (1677-before 1731) - was divided into two areas. The marble and jasper tabernacle was set at the centre of the first area, an architectural caprice several storeys high, with four external piers and an internal ring of supports. The space behind this was lit by two circular windows over the upper cornice. The beams of light and the gilding of the retable provide a dramatic contrast with the darker sanctuary.

The sculptures are by Pedro Duque Cornejo.

In 1706, Hurtado assumed responsibility for designing the cathedral Sagrario. However, this project was to take many years and was only completed by his colleague Jos� de Dada (1691-1755).

The picture shows the cathedral sanctuary in Granada.