In a rare convergence of artistic brilliance, two seminal works by Diego Velázquez and Michelangelo will be displayed together, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the interconnected world of early modern art. Stuart Lochhead Sculpture will present these masterpieces at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, Netherlands, revealing a profound narrative that extends far beyond the canvas and bronze.
The exhibition centers on Velázquez’s portrait of Mother Jerónima de la Fuente, a formidable nun who embarked on an extraordinary journey to establish the first convent in the Philippines. Painted in 1620 when Jerónima was 66 years old, the portrait captures her resolute spirit, with a crucifix clutched in her right hand and a book in her left.
Accompanying the portrait is a recently discovered 25-centimeter bronze corpus of Christ, believed to be modeled after Michelangelo’s design. The bronze piece, crafted in a Roman workshop and arriving in Seville in 1597, became a pivotal reference for religious iconography throughout Spain and its colonies.
Stuart Lochhead, the art dealer orchestrating this exhibition, emphasizes that the display transcends mere artistic showcase. “We’re bringing in the influence of Vittoria Colonna and Jerónima into the creation of two works of art, which normally you’d look at and say: ‘Well, these were made by the great artists and that’s the end of the story.’ But it’s not,” Lochhead explained.
The connection between the works is intricate. Velázquez, still early in his career, was deeply influenced by his mentor Francisco Pacheco, who was familiar with the Michelangelo-inspired bronze corpus. The crucifix in Mother Jerónima’s hand potentially represents one of the many casts produced from the original bronze model, creating a subtle yet powerful link between artist, subject, and spiritual iconography.
The exhibition offers more than a visual feast. It provides a nuanced exploration of faith, artistic inspiration, and the often-overlooked narratives of women who shaped cultural production in the early modern period. From Michelangelo’s relationship with poet Vittoria Colonna to Jerónima’s remarkable global journey, the works reveal a rich, dynamic web of cultural exchange.
While the future of these pieces remains uncertain—with Lochhead noting they may not remain together after the fair—their brief conjunction promises to illuminate the deeply personal motivations behind artistic creation.
The exhibition will be on display from 15 March at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, Netherlands, offering art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to witness this extraordinary dialogue across centuries.
