Lecture Notes: Saint-Ginès de la Hara Sculpture and Techniques

Structure and Construction

• Core Structure

  • Consists of two hollow wooden structures.
  • Bottom section: large box-like, reinforced with a wood block.
  • Top section: smaller, hollow, attached to bottom with glue and nails.

• Assembly

  • Side boards attached to form saint's robe.
  • Carved wood rope nailed to the front.
  • Arms, scapular (sleeveless vestment) glued onto the core.
  • Final carving completed once glue sets.
  • Nails added for strength.

• Carving Details

  • Feet, hands, forearms carved separately.
  • Face carved separately, eyes made of glass and inserted.

Carving Process

• Initial Steps

  • Basic form drawn on wood surface.
  • Bulk of wood reduced using large tools (saws, big chisels).

• Refinement

  • Finer chisels used for detailed shaping.
  • Importance of high-quality wood in Spain.

• Fine Detailing

  • Smaller blades for small features (fingers, nails).
  • Sandpaper for finishing.

Surface Treatments: Estofado and Encarnaciones

• Estofado Technique

  • Glue prepared by boiling sheepskin.
  • Layers of yeso grueso (thick gesso) applied, smoothed.
  • Red bole (clay) applied for water gilding.
  • Gold leaf applied over bole, then burnished.
  • Tempera paint applied over gold, made from egg yolk.
  • Design transferred using pricked paper pattern.
  • Scratching reveals gold beneath paint, punches add texture.

• Encarnaciones Technique

  • Matte flesh tones for lifelike appearance.
  • Wood sealed with glue and gesso layers.
  • Oil pigments for fleshtones, layered to show depth.
  • Details like pink highlights near fingernails added.

Roldana Workshop

• A family workshop with close collaboration in 17th-century Spain.
• Known for high-quality craftsmanship and material selection.

Summary

• The creation of the Saint-Ginès de la Hara sculpture involves complex woodworking and painting techniques.
• Detailed craftsmanship focused on both structural integrity and aesthetic surface treatments.
• Techniques like estofado and encarnaciones highlight the artistry involved in 17th-century Spanish sculpture.