Throughout history, the nobility has been one of the main patrons of the arts. Their desire to perpetuate their status and family legacy often translated into the creation of sculptural works that not only adorned their properties but also served to communicate their power and position within the social hierarchy. Thus, sculpture workshops were not mere factories of art, but spaces where creativity, tradition, and economy intertwined.
One of the most prolific periods for sculpture in Spain was the Renaissance, which brought about a renewed interest in the human figure and nature. Sculptors like Alonso Berruguete, who was also an architect and painter in addition to being a prominent sculptor, worked closely with the nobility. His most emblematic work, the altarpiece of San Benito in the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Valladolid, is a clear example of how sculpture integrated with architecture and sacred space, reflecting the aspirations of the local nobility.
In this context, it is important to mention the influence of workshops on the training of sculptors. In these environments, apprentices not only learned modeling and carving techniques but also became familiar with the demands and expectations of their clients, among whom were nobles...