Sánchez Coello, Alonso

Born circa 1531 in Benifayo, Valencia Province; died Aug. 8, 1588, in Madrid. Spanish painter. Portuguese by nationality.

Sánchez Coello studied in Brussels under A. Moro. He was influenced by mannerism. In 1557 he became Philip II’s court painter. Sánchez Coello founded the Spanish national school of portrait painting. His subjects, while coldly reserved and depicted in meticulously detailed costumes, are often characterized by striking truthfulness and integrity (Infanta Isabel Clara Eugenia, 1579, Prado, Madrid).