Ser y parecer noble en el siglo XVIIIel palacio del marqués de Casa Torre en Igea (La Rioja) y su consumo suntuario

Abstract

One of the most outstanding buildings of Baroque palace architecture in La Rioja is located in Igea. Emulating the nobility, it was built as of 1725 by the local returnee from the Americas Juan José de Ovejas, first Marquis of Casa Torre (1682-1732), as an image of his lineage and the indisputable symbol of his economic and social success. He chose the most famous artists of the region, such as master builder Juan Antonio Jiménez, mason Juan de Estanga, blacksmith Gaspar de Amezúa and sculptor Juan de Peralta. Sumptuous spending, an obligation imposed by his new noble status, was reflected through rich interior decoration with paintings, Flemish tapestries, furniture and especially pieces of silver made in the workshop of the Logroño silversmith Francisco Antonio Villava, but also bought in America and Paris.