Altar Predella and Socle of Archbishop Don Dalmau de Mur y Cervelló 1453 - 1461

The Altar Predella and Socle of Archbishop Don Dalmau de Mur y Cervelló was created by Francí Gomar around 1479-93, crafted from stone. The stone’s inherent qualities of density and texture heavily influenced the work's appearance. Notice the figures, architectural details, and complex patterns that were all meticulously carved. Gomar’s tooling of the stone involved techniques passed down through generations of stonemasons, echoing historical traditions of craftsmanship and aesthetics. The work involved not only artistic skill, but also considerable physical labor. The labor-intensive process of quarrying, carving, and assembling this altar component reflects the economic and social structures of its time. Stonemasonry was a crucial trade, and the production of such an elaborate piece would have involved a hierarchy of skilled artisans. Understanding the material, the making, and the context allows us to fully appreciate this artwork, challenging any rigid divide between fine art and craft.