José Álvarez Cubero: A Life in Neoclassical Sculpture Early Life and Education Born: 23 April 1768, Priego de Córdoba, Spain. José Álvarez Cubero began his artistic journey as the son of a stonemason, displaying an early aptitude for drawing and modeling. He received formal training from the French sculptor Miguel Verdiguier in Cordova and later at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. Career Development & Influences Royal Patronage: In 1799, King Charles IV awarded Cubero a pension to study art in Paris and Rome – pivotal cities for Neoclassical sculpture. Influences: While i…