Modest clients?

The commissioning of religious architecture in Zamora during the second half of the 20th century

Abstract

We usually associate the best examples of religious architecture of the 20th century with the most powerful ecclesiastical or civil subsidiary institutions, or those associated with great creators, cities or institutions. However, certain instances of a more modest order also managed to promote truly extraordinary temples. To a large extent, these were due to the initiative of smaller commissioners, who went unnoticed in the general panorama or did not achieve high levels of impact. Their diversity and the discreet circumstances surrounding them partly explain a richness that remains partially unknown. This article will reflect on the minor patrons —and even on this assessment— based on the case of Zamora, a peripheral, modest and humble Spanish diocese and province, proposing to address in a paradigmatic and exportable way to other ecclesiastical realities their diversity according to their orders of belonging, as well as their repercussions and achievements.