The Building of the Dragons, constructed in Valencia in 1901, displays a fusion of Moorish and Gothic influences alongside medieval aesthetics. This structure serves as a hallmark of the career of José María Manuel Cortina Pérez, an architect whose work helped define the Valencian Art Nouveau style through imaginative and highly decorative designs.
Professional Formation and Municipal Role
Born in Valencia in 1868, Cortina Pérez pursued his architectural education in Madrid and Barcelona. Upon completing his studies, he returned to his birthplace, where he held the position of municipal architect. His professional output extended beyond public utility, as he secured significant private and religious commissions, including shrines, tombs, and residential summer homes.
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Cortina Pérez integrated historical motifs into his projects, frequently utilizing crenellations and sculpture. The Building of the Dragons remains a primary example of this approach, situated at the corner of the Calle Jorge Juan Sorni shopping center. Another notable project, completed in 1903 in Ceuta, also adopted the name House of the Dragons. Although the original sculptures on the Ceuta property were lost over time, they underwent a redesign and replacement process in 2006.
Recognition and Later Years
His contributions to the built environment earned him membership in the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos de Valencia and the Royal Academy of Valencian Culture. Among his formal honors was the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. Following his death in 1950, interest in his methodology persisted, leading to a retrospective exhibition held at the Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas de Valencia in March 2013.
Fast facts
- Full name: José María Manuel Cortina Pérez
- Born: 1868, Valencia, Spain
- Died: 1950, Valencia, Spain
- Primary style: Valencian Art Nouveau
- Notable honor: Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
- Institutional member: Royal Academy of Valencian Culture
Questions readers ask
Where can the work of Cortina Pérez be seen?
His buildings are located in Spain, with notable examples in Valencia, such as the Building of the Dragons, and in Ceuta.
Was he honored for his architectural work?
Yes, he received the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic and was a member of the Royal Academy of Valencian Culture.
Achievements
- Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic