Santa Maria Major, Ronda
John Taylor Arms
Description
Subject Matter:
The print depicts the church of Santa María la Major in Ronda, part of Spain's southernmost regions, Andalusia. Begun in 1485 and not completed until the 17th century, it combines several different architectural styles.
The print was part of Arms' series of prints depicting Spanish churches, and was the ninth print published by the American College Society of Print Collectors (1934-35). Arms said of the print, "I selected Santa Maria Major as being architecturally the most interesting. I was particularly interested in this church by the contrast between the ornate and detailed tower and the simplicity of the rest of the church, as well as by the charming placing of the church among white-walled houses, together with the cypress trees in front of it which gave it a beautiful setting. This is one of the loveliest small churches I have seen in Spain..."
Physical Description:
The print depicts a three-story building with a large tower. The building is made of stucco and brick, with several balconies. The tower features a clock on its front face, and an arcaded belfry. An ornate spire crowns the structure. Cypress trees stand along the front of the building at the edge of a drive and yard. A somewhat stormy-looking sky casts strong shadows of the trees against the building.
Signed and dated in pencil below the image, lower left, "II", and lower right, “John Taylor Arms - 1935”
Usage Rights:
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