Pedro Atanasio Bocanegra and his contribution to the Cartuja Monastery

The Cartuja de Granada is one of the city's most impressive architectural and artistic jewels. This monastery, belonging to the Carthusian order, combines sacred art with spirituality in a space that invites contemplation and silence. Its artistic wealth is largely due to the contributions of Baroque painters and sculptors, who left a legacy of incomparable value on its walls.

Pedro Atanasio Bocanegra and his contribution to the Charterhouse

One of the great names associated with the Charterhouse in Granada is that of the painter Pedro Atanasio Bocanegra (1638-1689), who produced a series of paintings dedicated to the life of the Virgin Mary. This collection, consisting of nine paintings, is the second most important series of paintings of the Virgin Mary in Granada, after Alonso Cano's in the Cathedral.

The series of paintings begins with The Immaculate Conception, located at the foot of the nave, and culminates with The Empty Sepulchre of the Virgin and The Assumption in the presbytery. Bocanegra, a faithful follower of Cano, maintained the influence of his master but added his own style, adapting to the new tastes of the time and the rise of naturalism.

Analysis of the Life of the Virgin Series

Bocanegra's paintings at the Charterhouse are notable for their expressiveness and balanced composition. The following is an analysis of some of the most representative ones:

Birth of the Virgin: This depicts the moment after the birth, with a scene charged with serenity and tenderness, similar to Cano's in the Cathedral.

Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple: This is considered one of the most naive works in the series, but it reflects the painter's stylistic development.

Marriage of the Virgin: The composition is more refined and shows an evolution in the depiction of Mary, who appears with a more graceful and delicate figure.

Annunciation: In this painting, the angel Gabriel informs Mary of the arrival of the Messiah. Bocanegra opted for a different moment to that of Cano in the Cathedral, which shows his desire for innovation.

Visitation: It is notable for its naturalistic style and for the inclusion of secondary scenes that add dynamism, such as the group of gypsies dancing and singing in the foreground.

Purification: Similar to Cano's work in Getafe, with a balanced composition full of movement.

The Empty Sepulchre and the Assumption: These close the series with a more classical and solemn style, in which the painter demonstrates his mastery of composition and colour.

The Impact of the Disentailment on the works at the Charterhouse

The disentailment of the 19th century had a serious effect on the artistic heritage of the Charterhouse in Granada. Many of its paintings were dispersed or damaged due to their use in popular celebrations in the Plaza Bib-Rambla. Despite this, some of them managed to return to their original location, albeit with alterations in their chromaticism due to the deterioration suffered.

Other outstanding artistic elements

The Cartuja de Granada not only houses the Bocanegra series, but also stands out for its impressive Baroque decoration:

The church: Its interior is profusely decorated with frescoes and sculptures of great beauty.

The Sagrario: Considered a masterpiece of Baroque art in Spain.

The cloister and cells: Spaces that reflect the austere life of the Carthusian monks.

Visiting the Carthusian monastery of Granada: A journey into the past.

If you want to immerse yourself in the history and art of this emblematic monastery, we recommend you visit it. You can buy your tickets on the official website of the Archdiocese of Granada and enjoy a guided tour that will allow you to get to know every detail of this monument in depth.

The Charterhouse of Granada is a living testimony to the splendour of Baroque art in Spain. Its architecture, its paintings and its atmosphere of seclusion make it an essential visit for any lover of art and history.

Reasons to visit the Cartuja Monastery in Granada

The works of Pedro Atanasio Bocanegra are just the beginning of a fascinating tour of one of the most spectacular works of sacred art in Spain. Its architectural richness, its history and its importance within the Carthusian order make it an essential destination for history and art lovers.

If you would like to explore this monument in greater depth, you can buy your tickets on the official website of the Archdiocese of Granada. 

Book your visit and discover the magic of this unique place!