Collection of altarpieces in the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites (Markina-Xemein)
- Church: Monastery Church of Our Lady of Carmen (Markina-Xemein)
- Location: High Altar and lateral Chapels
- Artist: Marcos de Santa Teresa (architect and planner)
- Patron: Carmelite Community and Council of Markina
- Chronology: 18th century (1732-1736)
- Style: Baroque
Three typically carmelite baroque altarpieces in the heart of Biscay
Collection of altarpieces in the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites (Markina-Xemein)
Church:
The Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites is located in the old town of Markina-Xemein and was founded in 1691 by the Abbot of Ziortza, Igancio de Munibe y Axpe. However, the construction was only finished in 1724, more than 30 years after the foundation of the monastery.
It is a fine example of a baroque carmelite church, with a simple façade flanked by two bell gables and, inside, a wide central nave and two side aisles.
History:
The carmelite community ordered this collection of altarpieces few years after the church was finished. The main altarpiece was commissioned in 1732 and the laterals four years later in 1736. To finance the altarpieces, the carmelite community asked the local council for help.
The execution of these altarpieces was carried out by the carmelite architect Marcos de Santa Teresa, who created the design or layout, and the cantabrian sculptor Juan de Munar, who was based in Elorrio.
Description:
The 
Theses altarpieces contain the sculptures of the saints which are most venerated by the carmelites: the Virgin of Carmen as the patron saint of the rrder; Saint Joseph who was first venerated by Saint Teresa of Avila – the founder of the first convent of the discalced carmelites – who is also depicted in this church; Prophet Elias who inspires the members of the order spiritually; Saint Angelus of Jerusalem who confessed his faith in the monastery on mount Carmel. Saint John of the Cross the founder of the male branch of the discalced carmelites; the doctors of the Catholic Church Saint Cyril of Alexandria and Bernard of Clairvaux.
The three form a beautiful Baroque ensemble, as they have a similar composition, with images in niches separated by 