Juan+Sanchez+Cotan


 * Juan Sanchez Cotan**

Cotan was born in Toledo, Spain in June 25, 1560. One of the most influential people in his life was Blas de Prado, who was an artist in the mannerist movement and was known for still lifes. Juan Sanchez Cotan was a Baroque painter and was known for his mastery of realism, especially in still lifes of mainly vegetables and fruit. In Cotan's early career, he focused on portraits of upper class families and did religious works. Early on in his life he became involved with the Carthusian monastery and became a monk. At this time in his life, almost all of his artworks referenced religion. Later, he developed the basic components of "bodegones," or still lifes: dark background, mostly fruits and vegetables, shadows and shades to create a realistic appearance, and the use of various types of lighting. His stilll lifes are executed flawlessly and look almost like photographs.

Juan de Sanchez Cotan. 1612. "St Joseph Leading the Infant Christ." The Bowes Museum

Juan de Sanchez Cotan. 1602. "Still Life with Game, Vegetables, Fruit." Museo del Prado

Juan de Sanchez Cotan. 1602. "Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber." San Diego Museum of Art