La Colegiata, Toro by John Taylor Arms
La Colegiata, Toro
John Taylor Arms
Title
La Colegiata, Toro
Artist
Year
1935
Technique
etching
Image Size
9 5/8 x 12 5/8" platemark
Signature
pencil signed, lower right
Edition Size
153
Annotations
pencil dated 1935 after the signature; annotated "Ed 100 II" in lower left
Reference
Fletcher 284; Spanish Church Series #12; Arms 288; LOC 70
Paper
ivory laid
State
ii/ii
Publisher
artist
Inventory ID
24631
Price
$450.00
Description
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor is considered one of the most well preserved examples of medieval Romanesque architecture, and is situated on the cliffs of the fortified city of Toro, Spain. Its construction began in the late 12th century and continued for over a century. John Taylor Arms shows the compact yet sprawling campus of the church with its intricately carved north portal and simpler outer walls, built in the latter half of its construction. This is number twelve in Arms' "Spanish Church Series". As with much of his architectural work, he's draped the scene in heavy shadows, providing vivid contrast that allows for small details to emerge.