Inés Salzillo (1717-1775): a Woman in a Baroque Sculpture Atelier

Abstract

Early records on Inés Salzillo (1717-1775), youngest sister of Francisco Salzillo, confirm that she worked in the sculptor’s atelier alongside José Salzillo (1710-1744) and Patricio Salzillo (1722-1800) until she married in 1748. She drew, made clay figures, applied the paint finish to sculptures and provided the model that her brother Francisco used in several devotional figures. We reflect on her life and work in the chain of production that Francisco Salzillo established after the death of his father, the Neopolitan sculptor Nicolás Salzillo (1672-1727). Inés Salzillo collaborated during the crucial years that paved the future of the atelier and established its reputation.