Ignacio García de Escucha, arquitecto, escultor y ensamblador asturiano-bogotano (1580-1629). Aproximación a su vida y obra

Abstract

This work has the aim of illuminating one of the most important figures in the artistic life of the New Kingdom of Granada (Colombia), during the first third of the 17th century. He was born in 1580 in Porceyo, Gijón. After his first apprenticeship in a familiar environment, he arrived in Toledo at the beginning of the 17th century and completed his studies in the workshop of Alonso Sánchez Cotán. Although he had become a relative of his master, since he had married his sister María, marital disagreements took him to Santa Fe de Bogotá by 1618. Since he possessed a sound theoretical and practical education, he was highly respected there and also requested to lead the most important artistic enterprises of the moment, such as the main altarpiece of the cathedral or at the convent of San Francisco. Finally, these combined circumstances allowed him to attain great personal wealth, as it is stated in the inventory produced after his death in March 1629.