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His masterpiece, the great altar of Street Jerome at San Isidoro del Campo, Santiponce, near Seville, was contracted in 1609 and completed in 1613.
His masterpiece, the great altar of Street Jerome at San Isidoro del Campo, Santiponce, near Seville, was contracted in 1609 and completed in 1613.
He was one of the most important figures of the Sevillian school of sculpture. His master was Pablo de Roxas. His first known work, dating to 1597, is the graceful Saint Christopher in the church of El Salvador at Seville.
His Boy Christ (dated 1607) is in the sacristy of the cathedral of Seville.
Montañés executed most of his sculpture in wood, which was gessoed, polychromed and gilded. In 1635, in preparation for the bronze equestrian statue of King Philip IV by Pietro Tacca, Montañés went to Madrid and spent seven months there modelling a portrait of Philip IV. The work was sent to Tacca in Florence as primary reference for the King, and the statue was finished in 1640.
During his stay in Madrid he had his portrait painted by Diego Velázquez, whose tutor had worked for him. His students included Juan de Mesa.
