Nuevos datos sobre los arquitectos Machuca y Vargas

Abstract

Notwithstanding the importance of the architect Manuel Machuca and Vargas in expanding the neoclassical ideas in Spain, there is no monographic study yet which analyses his work in detail. He was Antonio Machuca's brother and father of another sculptor, Carlos Machuca. There are several authors in the literature who have confused the first two of them and have even erroneously considered them as a single architect under the composed name Manuel-Antonio. With this paper, we intend to clarify the mistake as well as add some new unpublished information about their lives and work, especially as concerns their contribution to the Benedictine monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos in Burgos. In this abbey, Antonio was chosen by Ventura Rodriguez in order to manage his project of construction of a new church. He carried out this request between 1752 and 1761, but he did not manage to conclude it. Moreover, we provide information about other artists with the same surname, among which Manuel Machuca Vargas y Mantrana, and Carlos Machuca.