SIMÓN DE COLONIA
(c. 1445-c. 1511)

Interior view

1482
Photo
Cathedral, Burgos

At the beginning of the 15th century in Castile, links with Burgundy strengthened under Juan II, and as a result of trade, connections developed between Castile and Flanders. In art, this resulted in a style of decoration and a style of architecture known as Hispano-Flemish. This name refers to the style of Spanish architecture, painting, and decoration associated with the reign of Isabella I during the end of the 15th century and concentrated in central Spain, which reflects a combination of the decorative Mudéjar style and more realist Flemish forms. The style is closely related to the Manueline style in Portugal and overlaps significantly with the Isabelline style.

A lavish example of the style is the Capilla del Condestable in Burgos Cathedral. It is a masterpiece of decorative architecture, the Gothic structure of the spacious two-story building being covered inside and out with filigree decoration in the Flamboyant style. The architect was Simon de Colonia, the son of the German Hans of Cologne (Juan de Colonia) who was the master mason in Burgos.

The picture shows the interior of the Capilla del Condestable in Burgos Cathedral.