Perspectives and Pretenses in the Baroque Mural Painting of Sanlúcar de Barrameda During the Eighteenth Century

Abstract

During the 18th century, illusionist trompe l'oeil baroque mural painting was one of the most effective tools for the transformation and expansion of the conservative spaces of medieval and classicist heritage of the conventual and parochial architecture of Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz). In this chronological context, we analyze the “feigned” major and collateral altarpieces preserved, most of them of provisional character and hidden behind the definitive ones in gilded wood; the illusionist architectures of complex perspective and bulky ornamentation, ideal frame for complex iconographic programs, with which to dynamize important spaces; the pictorial frames to dilate altarpieces, niches and altar paintings; and the use of trompe l'oeil in monumental doors.