10/11/2023 The building promoted by Cardinal Rodrigo de Castro in 1593 houses an interesting art gallery in a place built in 1699 for the sacristy of the Church. The art gallery has personal belongings of Cardinal Rodrigo de Castro and interesting books, as well as paintings that were in other parts of the building and were moved here. The works underwent restoration years ago by the Prado Museum and recently the Monforte city council restored the portrait of Cardinal Rodrigo de Castro. The life-size work of unknown author was made for the school in the 17th century, according to a drawing by Francisco Pacheco, Velázquez's father-in-law.
Accompanying this piece are two works by Greco (Doménikos Theotokopoulos).
“San Lorenzo”, titled “Apparition of the Virgin and Child to San Lorenzo”. It belongs to the painter's first period (1576-79) with Italian influences from Tintoretto and Correggio. According to Camón Aznar, it precedes the famous “Entierro del Conde Orgaz” (Toledo) and is one of the most select paintings of his painting; Above all, the dalmatic of the Holy Deacon stands out.
“Saint Francis”, titled “Saint Francis of Assisi and Frey Leo meditating on death”. Authentic El Greco according to Cossío, who dates it between 1594-1604. Mayer and Camón Aznar date it between 1590 and 1598. It bears an inscription with the name of the painter.
And five paintings by Andrea del Sarto:
Saint Margaret of Cortona, the penitent. Saint Agnes, twelve-year-old girl, martyred in 304, with her symbolic lamb, origin of her name. Saint Catherine of Alexandria, patron saint of philosophers, martyr at age 18. Saint Peter, father of the Church. Saint John the Baptist, of great beauty in color and shapes. These last two are replicas of others existing in the Cathedral of Pisa.
More information about Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Antigua in this link
Another museums of Monforte in this link
