Axel Herman Haig (Swedish, 1835-1921), "Toledo Cathedral: Interior." 1889. Aquatint. A stunning image of the interior of Toledo Cathedral, widely regarded as one of the world's most beautiful cathedrals - an archetype of Spanish Gothic architecture. Work was begun during the 13th century and continued through the 17th century. Most notably, El Greco, the Spanish Renaissance artist was responsible for the cathedral's role as a sacred repository for fine art. Though born in Greece, El Greco arrived in Spain in 1576, settled in Toledo, and befriended the dean of the Cathedral, Diego de Castilla. Castilla became a loyal patron to El Greco, commissioning him to paint altarpieces and other works of art. Francisco Goya, Giovanni Bellini, Titian, Raphael, and Van Dyck are among the other artists whose frescoes and paintings adorn Toledo Cathedral. Size: plate 27.25" L x 18.5" W (69.2 cm x 47 cm); sheet 32" L x 22.25" W (81.3 cm x 56.5 cm)
Axel Herman Haig was fascinated with the sea and ships and spent much of his youth sketching seascapes and building model boats. His love of the sea led him to study shipbuilding, but he grew tired of ship design and shifted to architecture. Haig was given the opportunity to design the residence of his employer in Glasgow, who was so pleased with the result that he got Haig a job at a firm that specialized in church design. Later Haig was employed by William Burges, a noted Gothic Revival architect, and he became one of the most noted architectural draughtsman in Britain.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection
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#129314
Condition
A tear to lower left and tear at top center into image have been expertly repaired. Subject written in pencil on lower left of sheet. Signature in margin of plate mark, lower right.