LEONI, Pompeo
(b. 1533, d. 1608, Madrid)

Tomb of Charles V

1598
Gilded bronze
Monasterio de San Lorenzo, El Escorial

In Gothic times sculptural works in Spain were no more than provincial versions of the current international French style. As Gothic progressed the Flemish influence became paramount. By the sixteenth century Italian artists had exerted their influence. In the earlier part of the century Pietro Torrigiani exercised considerable influence, but perhaps the most impressive of the Italian works were those done for the court at the mid-century by Pompeo Leoni.

The frigid and sober naturalism of the kneeling monarchs are subjected to the competition of elaborate decorations of heraldry, embroidery, cut velvets, tassels, jewels, armour.