Church of St. Francis and St. Eulogius: Main Altar.

The Main Altar of the Church of San Francisco is presided over by a large altarpiece by Teodosio Sánchez de Rueda, executed in the year 1720. The altarpiece is made of gilded wood and fits perfectly with the shape of the apse which, as previously mentioned, retains its medieval structure.

Structure and decoration of the altarpiece

The ensemble is composed of three vertical sections and two horizontal tiers, also featuring various depth planes due to its concave shape, which gives it great dynamism and visual impact. Elements such as the Solomonic column, the estipite, and the pilaster divide the different spaces of the altarpiece, which is richly decorated with floral and vegetal motifs.

First tier: main sculptures

At the center of the composition is a “Crucified Christ” smaller than life-size, whose authorship remains unknown. Below, in a niche, is the “Virgin of the Aurora“, depicted seated with the Child Jesus; it is thought to possibly be the work of Alonso Gómez de Sandoval. Completing the first tier, in the side sections, are two sculptures of “Saint Francis of Assisi” and “Saint Dominic“. The former appears standing, displaying the stigmata that emerged from his hands and feet while praying on Mount Alvernia; the latter is also shown standing, holding the cross and the book. Interestingly, the two were friends, and the artist chose to treat them in a very similar way, with excellent work on the estofado technique.

Second tier and adaptation to the apse

The second tier is topped by a sort of vault forming a quarter sphere, so that it fits perfectly with the medieval architecture. Again, we find three sections, separated by pilasters. In the central section stands out a painting depicting “King Ferdinand III the Saint“. To the left, “Saint Peter“, seated in his Chair, wearing the papal tiara, in a gesture of blessing. To the right, “Saint Paul“, standing, holding a book and a sword. Both figures are smaller than life-size.

Paintings of the apse

Among all the paintings housed on the apse walls, it is worth pausing at the exceptional “Saint Andrew” painted by Juan de Valdés Leal in 1647. Leaning on his X-shaped cross, he looks to the heavens with his right arm extended in a pleading gesture. Below appear two of his most significant attributes, the book and the fish, as he was a fisherman. The mastery of dark tones is exceptional, yet matched by the warm red of the Saint’s mantle; the rendering of the fabrics is also very skillful. The work was conceived to be viewed from a considerable height — note, for example, the size of the feet.

Cultural visit

If you’re unsure what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Fernandine Churches by booking one of our guided tours. There, we will dedicate a special chapter to the Main Altar of the Church of San Francisco. Choose high-quality tourism with qualified staff — don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.