He was born in Benifairó de los Valles in about 1531 and started training as an artist in Lisbon, under the patronage of King John III. He then left for Flanders to study under Antonio Moro, which had a decisive influence on his later style. On his return to Spain in 1555, he became court painter to Philip II, making the portraits of the royal family and closest circle. However, Sánchez Coello did not confine himself only to portraits, but also wrote poetry, including the heroic poem ‘La Belgiada’; a book in defence of painting, ‘Rossana Trágica and a treatise on law. His daughter, Isabel Sánchez, was also an important portrait artist. He died in Madrid in 1588.
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Infanta Isabel Clara Eugenia
This piece shows the influence of the model of Spanish court portraiture, created by Anthony More. It stands out because of the painter's ability to capture the details of the jewels and fabrics.
More info
Prado Museum (Madrid)
Other highlighted works
- The daughters of Philip II
- Three Saints
- Prince Charles
