To speak of Murcian Baroque is to speak of a unique artist by the name of Francisco Salzillo (1707-1783). Through him the art of sculpting reached one of its highest levels, by the expression, through religious imagery, of the most profound emotions of the human soul.

Salzillo always made his sculptures from wood, following the Spanish tradition with great skill. The artist, who contributed greatly to European art, was blessed with a great ability for a religious interpretation full of ideas, and produced exceptional work which was unique in the world and considered to be the equivalent of visual poetry.

The Murcian sculptor always felt united to his land and people. As is befitting, Murcia has always passionately guarded his memory and has admired and enjoyed his work. The city has dedicated a museum to the artist which is carefully looked after and is an obligatory stop for any visitor to Murcia.

The original idea for the museum was planted in 1919, although it was not until 1941 that an Act passed its building. The building was modified again in 1949 and was declared a Historical Artistic Monument in 1962.

The museum currently houses images which recreate the Passion of Jesus. They are the Easter sculptures ("pasos") of the brotherhood of Jesus Our Father (created in 1600), which are paraded on the morning of Good Friday. The famous Salzillo Nativity Scene, mud sketches and oratory sculptures are also kept in the museum.

The Last Supper (1763): it is composed of 13 figures sat around a table. The composition is completely balanced. Salzillo was capable of characterising attitudes in each of the different carvings, making it one of the "pasos" which best shows the individuality of the figures of which it is composed.

Prayer in the Garden of Getsemani (1754): the image of the sculpture is incomparable. On one side we see the angel of supernatural beauty showing Jesus the chalice and on the other, the scene of the three apostles sleeping underneath the palmtree, a scene which has been the object of psychological studies about sleep in the different ages of a man's life.

The betrayal (1754): commonly known as "Judas' kiss" it contrasts the beauty and goodness of Jesus with the ugliness and evil in the face of Judas. The figure of Saint Peter, whose legendary right arm brandishing the sword is another of Salzillo's masterpieces, rigorously reflects his anatomy.

Jesus on the Column (1777): also known as "the lashes". The face of Jesus, rather distracted and inexpressive, shows a certain serenity and resignation.

Saint Veronica (1755): elegant and delicate featured in her sorrow, in her hands she is carrying a cloth with the face of Jesus.

The Fall (1752): magnificent illustration of balance. The Cross is held diagonally framing the face of Jesus who is dressed, contrasting with the nudity of the executioners. The beautiful face of Jesus shows terrible pain. The thorn in his eyelid, the tension of the executioners and the meticulous anatomical study accentuate the pathetic scene.

Our Father Jesus of Nazareth (1600): Giving its name to the brotherhood, it is the only work in the museum which does not belong to Salzillo, as its was created by Juan de Aguilera. This pathetic image of Christ has been loved and venerated by the city since time immemorial.

Saint John (1756): Beautiful image of the young Apostle. Its incomparable beauty, energy, balance and elegance are united in the carving, giving the spectator the impression that it is moving. The outstretched right arm of the Apostle, pointing out Jesus' path, adds to this effect.

"La Dolorosa" (1756): This particular image is dressed. In Murcia, she has a great following. It shows a sublime and moving representation of maternal pain on the death of a son.

The Nativity Scene (1780-1800): started by Salzillo and continued by his pupil Roque López. Made up of 556 mud figures of 30 centimetres in height, it is one of the most important nativity scenes in the world.

The sketches: they are numerous. They are modelled in mud and reflect the originality, creativity and craftsmanship of their creator, as well as the techniques used in his work.


www.museosalzillo.es