Berruguete, Alonso

Berruguete, Alonso (älōnˈsō bĕr–ro͞ogāˈtā), c.1480–1561, Spanish mannerist sculptor. Probably the first in Spain to break away from the High Renaissance balance of form, he is noted for the expressive torsion of his figures. He studied with his father, Pedro Berruguete, a painter at the Spanish court. In Italy (c.1504–c.1517) he was strongly influenced by Michelangelo. On Berruguete's return to Spain he was appointed (1518) court painter and sculptor to Charles V. The carved altar screens for San Benito el Real (1527–32; Valladolid Mus.) and the choir stalls of the cathedral at Toledo (1539–43) are among his masterpieces. Berruguete brought the influence of Michelangelo to Spain, but his work has retained its vigor and originality. His work is best seen in Valladolid.