The Museums of Madrid

The Museo del Prado has been open for over 200 years and has a vast collection of masterpieces. Featuring works of art by Goya, El Greco, Velazquez, Titian, Bosch and Rubens. The museum can definitely be an all-day affair depending on the length of time you have for your visit. You could do a hitlist of your favorite artists and begin by ticking those off your list , or start with the most unique and one of a kind paintings of the Prado . Such as- Las Pinturas Negras(The Black Paintings) by Francisco de la Goya . They were painted from 1819-1823 on the walls of the Quinta del Sordo, Goya's home. The dark paintings represent Goya's descent into dispair after the death of his wife . Also during this time Goya himself was going deaf. The paintings were removed from the walls using a complex process before the Quinta was demolished . The vision of these unique paintings with stay with you long after you have left the museum. El 3 de mayo/The Third of May(1808) ,Also by Goya. Which depicts Patriotic Spaniards being executed by inhuman French soldiers.A matyr dressed in white, his arms outstretched before a firing squad,ready to face his fate. The Execution of Torrijos(1888) and his Companions on the Beach by Antonio Gisbert-Depicts the execution of General Jose Maria de Torrijos and 48 of his followers on the beach at Malaga. King Ferdinand Vll ordered the execution without trail. Queen Joanna Mad(1877) by Francisco Pradilla y Ortiz- Pregnant Queen of Castile Joan I dressed all in black gazes with anguish and despair at the casket of her husband . The complex history of the subject of the painting Joan l and the vivid imagery are what make this painting unique. Las Meninas-The Ladies-in-waiting(1656)-Diego Valezquez .Baroque painter Valezquez employs complex painting techniques ,including perspective and geometry. A painting about the making of a painting for the Spanish royals. Velazquez is painting the King and Queen who are out of the frame ,yet reflected in the mirror behind Velazquez.To the left of Velazquez is Infanta Teresa and her ladies-in-waiting, pet dog, royal guards and two dwarfs. The importance of Las meninas has continued to draw art critics and art lovers from around the world to the Prado. The Raising of Lazarus-(1616) - Juseppe Ribera- Distinguished painter Ribera depicts the raising of Lazarus from his tomb by Jesus. His astonished sisters and witnesses react with awe as Jesus comands Lazarus to rise . Lazarus is the forefront of the work, in his death shrouds, pale and grey taking his first few breaths.Jesus is points at him-commanding him to rise. The Ecce Homo/ Behold a Man(1605 - Caravaggio(on display until 02/23/2024) Although not a part of the Prado's permanent collection this historical masterpiece by Caravaggio is a must see!. This lost Caravaggio came back into the public eye three years ago at auction, creating quite a stir! The painting depicts the biblical scene of Jesus being judged by a bloodthirsty crowd. Pilate presents Jesus to the mob stating " Behold a Man." Jesus is wearing a crown of thorns, is bloodied and pale during the final days of his life. In a dimly lit room, the painting is on display.In a solo exposition . befitting such a priceless masterpiece-sits Ecce Homo.

In the center of Madrid, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, or simply the Museo Reina Sofía, has an impressive treasure trove of modern and contemporary art. It is named after the Queen Sofia and is dedicated to showcasing both Spanish and international artists whose works have shaped the landscape of modern art. The Crown jewel of the museum , and worth the visit alone is Picassos' Guernica - his protest again war depicting the bombing of the basque city of Guernica. The stunning and immense canvas takes up a huge wall of the museum.The black and white canvas depicts the body parts of both humans and animals . Belchite was a stronghold of Anti-Franco forces(Francisco Franco former dictator of Spain) , who installed their base of communications here. Nazi and Italian fascist forces conducted a horrific bombing campaign against the citizens of Belchite. The ruins of Belchite have been left standing untouched as a statement against the horrors of war. At the Museo you will journey through a stunning and unique collection of modern art.