SALVADOR CARMONA, Luis - b. 1708 Nava del Rey, d. 1767 Madrid

Spanish sculptor, part of a family of sculptors, uncle of Manuel Salvador Carmona. He was sent to be trained in Madrid in the workshop of Juan Alonso Villabrille y Ron (1663-after 1728), under whom he worked from about 1723. On Villabrille y Ron’s death after 1728, Salvador Carmona continued working under the former’s son-in-law José Galbán (1705-1766) until about 1732 when he set up his own highly efficient workshop in Madrid, which he ran for over 30 years. He mostly produced religious works.

Carmona was one of the most important Spanish Court sculptors. He was heavily involved in the decoration of the Royal Palace of La Granja, and was a founding member of the Academia de Bellas Artes. His official role at Court, combined with his extraordinary technical ability, inspired many of his colleagues and patrons, stimulating demand for his work in all of Spain.