Jeronimo Hernandez was a Spanish sculptor who was born in 1530 in the city of Seville, at a time when Spain was a major European power and was experiencing a golden age of art and culture. He was a prominent figure in the Spanish Renaissance and is noted for his work within the polychrome sculpture tradition, which involved the intricate painting of sculptures often for religious purposes.
Hernández was trained in the workshop of Juan Bautista Vázquez the Elder, a renowned sculptor of the time, and soon developed his own style. His work was characterized by a deep sense of realism, attention to detail, and an ability to convey emotion in his figures. He became particularly well-known for his religious works, including altarpieces, statues, and other religious objects that were used in churches and cathedrals throughout Spain.
Much of his career was focused in Seville, which was a hub for artists during the Renaissance. His works were profoundly influenced by the spiritual and artistic climate of the Counter-Reformation, which sought to reaffirm Catholic beliefs and inspire the faithful through the arts. The religious intensity of the period was reflected in his sculptures, which combined technical skill with a dramatic sense of piety and devotion.
Hernandez's contribution to the Sevillian school of sculpture was significant and he was instrumental in the development of the polychrome technique, wherein sculptures were vividly painted to heighten their emotional impact and realism. His legacy includes not only his own works but also the influence he had on subsequent generations of sculptors in Seville and beyond.
Jeronimo Hernandez passed away in 1597, having left a lasting imprint on the world of Spanish sculpture. His works continue to be studied and admired for their technical brilliance and their emotive power, and they remain an important part of Spain's rich artistic heritage.