Church of S. Francisco and S. Eulogio: Altars.

This section is dedicated to the remaining movable assets, mostly altars, housed in the Church of San Francisco, which we believe are worth mentioning. We will begin with the altars located on the gospel side of the main nave, moving through the transept, its arms, and the side apses, leaving the Main Altar of the church for another section.

Altars on the Gospel Side

Altar of the Holy Martyrs

The first of the altars located on the gospel side is the Altar of the Holy Martyrs. It is a small altarpiece made of polychrome and gilded wood, richly decorated with floral and geometric elements. In the center stands the figure of “Saint Rita“, holding the Cross in her hand as a symbol of her penance, dressed in the habit of the Augustinian nuns. Flanking her are two saints, “Saint Pedro Dueñas” and “Saint John of Cetina“, both holding the palm, symbol of martyrdom.

Altar of the Nativity

The Altar of the Nativity gets its name from the painting that crowns it, a work by the Sevillian artist José Ruiz de Sarabia. It is a skillful composition, where an interesting break of glory divides the scene in two, very much in the author’s style, leaving a strong Zurbarán-like imprint, especially in the treatment of light, as he was a disciple of the Extremaduran master. The altarpiece is made of polychrome and gilded wood, and its decoration imitates marble. The ensemble is topped by a gilded relief representing the “Guardian Angel with the Child“, a work by the aforementioned Manuel Gómez.

Altar of the Ecce-Homo

Very interesting is the so-called Altar of the Ecce-Homo. Highly ornate, it is a three-section altarpiece separated by estipites, with the central section extending to the top. In the center of the composition is the “Ecce-Homo“, a polychrome wooden bust attributed to Luisa Roldán “La Roldana“, daughter of Pedro Roldán. On either side are two small images representing “Saint Francis of Assisi” and “Saint Anthony of Padua“.

Altarpiece of Saint Joseph

We conclude with the Altarpiece of Saint Joseph, a work attributed to José de Cano, named after the painting depicting “Saint Joseph with the Child“, a very moving scene where the saint holds Jesus in his arms while carrying a bouquet of lilies, symbol of his purity. Several polychrome reliefs stand out, depicting scenes from the life of Joseph, such as “The Dream of Saint Joseph“, “The Nativity of Jesus“, and “The Adoration of the Shepherds“.

Altars in the Transept

Altar of Saint Joseph

Under one of the pillars supporting the transept, on the gospel side, is the Altar of Saint Joseph, curiously dedicated to the same saint as the previous one. It is a work of great verticality and dynamism. The centerpiece is a sculpture of “Saint Joseph“, standing alone, holding the blossomed staff. On either side are images of the archangels “Saint Michael” and “Saint Raphael“.

Altar of Saint Eligius

On the opposite pillar of the transept is the Altar of Saint Eligius, of similar proportions and decoration as the previous one, with the hand of Teodosio Sánchez Cañadas seen in both. In this case, the central figure is “Saint Eligius“, depicted dressed as a Bishop, with splendid garments and excellent use of estofado technique.

Works in the Transept Arms

The Visitation

In the transept arm on the gospel side, a notable piece is a “Visitation” attributed to the Flemish painter Pedro de Campaña. It represents the moment of encounter with Elizabeth, in the presence of Zechariah. It shows great command of perspective and warm colors typical of the Flemish school.

Altar of the Saint Johns

Near this painting is the Altar of the Saint Johns, which presents an interesting solution, as it is displayed like a curtain being drawn back by two beautifully crafted winged cherubs. The pictorial composition dedicated to the mentioned saints stands out, a work by Diego Monroy, a copy of an original by Antonio del Castillo.

Apse on the Epistle Side

Altarpiece of Charity

We conclude in the apse on the epistle side, currently the Tabernacle of the Church of San Francisco. Here is the Altarpiece of Charity, an anonymous 18th-century work that houses the crucified Christ of the brotherhood that processes on Holy Thursday. The images of this brotherhood are described in the section dedicated to Holy Week in Córdoba on our website.

Paintings of the Tabernacle

Among the paintings decorating the Tabernacle, we would like to highlight those created by Acisclo Antonio Palomino, a well-known painter for his work, treatises, and family ties to Diego Velázquez. First, “The Savior” presents the Lord in a blessing gesture holding the Tabernacle, and also a beautifully crafted “Saint Anne“. Of great interest is the painting representing “Saint Anne, Saint Joachim, and the Virgin Child“, where all the characters are in communion with each other; Saint Anne looks to the heavens, where a break of glory reveals the Holy Spirit in the form of a Dove, and Saint Joachim looks at the Virgin Child in a prayerful attitude.

Guided Tours

If you wish to discover the Fernandine Churches, do not hesitate to book one of our guided tours. We will pay special attention to the Church of San Francisco. We are experts in the interpretation of Córdoba’s historical heritage. If you have chosen to do tourism in Córdoba, choose a quality option, choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.