Arnau Cadell

Arnau Cadell (also spelt Gatell or Catell ) was a 12th–13th-century Catalan sculptor. He is best known for creating the cloister of the monastery of Sant Cugat.

Biography Cadell was a Catalan architect, sculptor and master builder. He was in charge of a workshop of travelling artisans specialized in ornamentation depicting biblical themes. which was begun in 1190, he is also attributed with similar work in the Cathedral of Girona. contains 144 Corinthian capitals, completed over several years. A testament by him, dated 13 October 1221 and signed in Girona, has been preserved, in which he donates his assets to the monastery of Sant Cugat.

Two documents connected with the monastery, from 1206 and 1207, also bear his signature.

Legacy It appears that Cadell died childless, as attested by his will leaving assets to a young nephew and a significant charitable donation bequeathed to the monastery of Sant Cugat, that still owed him a considerable amount for the work done on the cloisters. The will provided a share among the monks and donations to various altars in the church. The monastery, therefore paid cheaply for the sculptures. There is no reference in the will of Cadell's artistic activities.

Cadell's name also lives on in the local high school, IES Arnau Cadell, located in nearby Valldoreix.