Architect and sculptor in the Neoclassical tradition, Manuel Tolsa was born on May 4, 1757, in Spain. While in Spain he studied at the Royal Academy of San Carlos (Valencia) and Royal Academy of San Fernando (Madrid). He was appointed first director of San Carlos Academy in New Spain (Mexico)and traveled by sea in 1791. He brought tools, books and plaster replicas of classical sculptures from the Vatican with him at the direction of the King.
Initially he was given several tasks by the government of Mexico City unrelated to his directorship such as replanting the park, supervisor of the city water system, etc. He was able to get these duties off his plate and concentrate on his life's work of artistic endeavors. Tolsa built furniture, created altars and accouterments, and even founded an operating kiln.
Tolsa died in 1816, of a gastric ulcer.
Below you can see one of his extremely ornate Neoclassical altars...from the Temple of Santo Domingo...
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