Leisure and Culture

Aragonese Anniversary on September 9 Recalls Sculptor Gil Morlanes “the Younger”

The featured Aragonese anniversary recalls that on September 9, 1551, sculptor Gil Morlanes “the Younger” died. He was a sculptor and architect from Zaragoza, Spain, active in Aragon during the 16th century. The son of architect Gil Morlanes the Elder, he followed in his father’s footsteps in art and architecture.
Aragonese Anniversary on September 9 Recalls Sculptor Gil Morlanes “the Younger”

Gil Morlanes “the Younger”'s first known works date to 1504, when he worked on the church of Santa Engracia in Zaragoza, completing the façade his father had begun. Throughout his career, he left his mark on several of Zaragoza’s landmark churches and buildings. For example, he worked on the church of San Miguel de los Navarros from 1517 to 1530. He is also credited with the Chapel of the Virgin in the church of El Portillo (1527) and the interior decoration of Zaragoza’s Lonja (1541–1551).

Gil Morlanes “the Younger” also ventured into hydraulic engineering projects in different territories of Spain, including Castile, Aragon and Catalonia. His talent and skills extended beyond sculpture and architecture, demonstrating his versatility in the arts and sciences. Although there is some controversy over whether he was responsible for the construction of the Morlanes Palace in Zaragoza, the prevailing view is that he was not, since he died before the palace’s decoration was carried out in 1555.

Gil Morlanes “the Younger”'s legacy endures to this day in the architectural and sculptural works he left in Zaragoza. His contribution to the city’s cultural heritage is invaluable, and his talent continues to be admired by future generations. Through his work, Gil Morlanes “the Younger” left an indelible mark on the history of art and architecture in Aragon and Spain as a whole. His ability to combine aesthetic beauty with architectural functionality makes him one of the great masters of his time.

WHAT IS AN ANNIVERSARY?

An anniversary is an important date or event that is celebrated or commemorated on a specific day of the year. It generally refers to the anniversaries of historical events, major discoveries, the birthdays of prominent figures, religious dates or national commemorations.

Anniversaries can be commemorative, educational or simply informative. Some are of global importance, while others may be more relevant at a local or regional level. Anniversaries are an important way to remember our past and reflect on its meaning for the present and the future.