Early Life and Training
- Born: Benifaió, Spain (1531)
- Spent childhood near Valencia until his father's death.
- Around 1541/42, moved to Portugal to live with his grandfather, a nobleman in service of the Portuguese monarchs.
- Studied with Anthonis Mor (Antonio Moro) in Flanders around 1550.
- Received patronage from Antoine de Granville, Bishop of Arras, also a patron of Mor.
Career at the Spanish Court
- Worked for the Portuguese royal family and later the court of João Manuel, Prince of Portugal.
- Moved to the Spanish court of Philip II in 1555, recommended by Juana, sister of Philip II.
- Became Court Painter in 1560.
- Married Louisa Reyaltes, daughter of a silversmith, around 1560/61.
- His daughter, Isabel Sánchez, also became a painter and assisted in his workshop.
- Moved with the court to Toledo and settled in Madrid in 1561.
Artistic Style and Influences
- Style: Combined Flemish objectivity with Venetian sensuality.
- Influences: Primarily influenced by Anthonis Mor and Titian.
- Learned precision from Mor.
- Incorporated Venetian gold tones, generous workmanship, and the use of light from Titian.
- Known for portraits marked by ease of pose, dignity, sobriety, and warmth of coloring.
Major Works and Achievements
- Produced both portraits and religious paintings.
- Religious works were conventional but demonstrate an austere style.
- Notable Portraits:
- Philip II Holding a Rosary (1573)
- Portraits of Infanta Isabel Clara Eugenia (1571)
- Series of paintings depicting the children of Philip II.
- Double portrait of the infantas Isabella Clara Eugenia and Catalina Micaela (1568–9).
- Painted religious works for El Escorial.
- Produced a topographical view of Seville's port.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- His reputation as a portraitist has been complicated by numerous copies and imitations.
- Considered a significant figure in Spanish Renaissance art, particularly for his court portraits.
- His work influenced later artists, including Velázquez, regarding the depiction of textures like armor and draperies.
- Died in Madrid on August 8, 1588.
