Architecture, Spanish Renaissance, Plate 45, Zaragosa, Lonja or Exchange,

Renaissance Architecture and Adornment in Spain 1888

Poblet, Plateresque Period, Plate 49, Details of Lower Part of High Altar, The Casa de la Infanta, Zaragoza  

Between the years 1500 and 1560

 Date: 1888

Artist: Prentice Andrew,  Architect, measured and drawn by

Publisher: Batsford, BT 

Paper Size: 345 x 470mm

Print Size: 260 x 380mm

Condition: very good. Normal paper aging qualities, slight foxing to RHS

Technique: original lithography  

Price: $250

Description:

Plate XLV. ZARAGOZA. The Casa de la Infanta. The Lonja or Exchange

A valuable example of material controlling the design is presented by this very striking brick built façade. Built in a district where stone is scarce, the architect, as in the early Italian Renaissance has evidently adopted the round arch, as he could not obtain large stones for lintels. This surmise is borne out by his treatment of the main cornice, which he was obliged to construct of wood, as the material most appropriate to his hands. The lower strings and cornices, however, are formed of brick, the projection being slight.

The interior is a large square apartment, occupying the whole area of the building, divided into three naves by pillars, and extending to the height of the first two stories. Three windows on the central stage light the interior. 

The large doorway and the window openings on the ground floor have wooden shutters covered with copper.

The terra-cotta plaques on the top floor arcade are beautifully modeled, and the small towers are tiled with green and white “azulejos” or tiles.

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