The Prado Museum is one of Madrid's top cultural attractions and one of the most incredible galleries and collections in the world. For art lovers, it is one of the definite must-see attractions in Spain. Housed in a vast, beautiful and grand 18th century Neoclassical building, it was opened as a museum in 1819 and is home to works by great masters such as Rembrandt, Titian, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch, among many others. We have already written about the museum itself but thought that it might be a good idea to dedicate a series of posts to some of the works that are highlights of the collection and which you should seek out once you have found a vacation rental in Spain and have come to explore the stunning museum.
1. Self-portrait (or Self-portrait at 26), Albrecht Dürer, 1498
Dürer was an early fan of the self-portrait and produced three in his lifetime (of which this example is the second).
1. Self-portrait (or Self-portrait at 26), Albrecht Dürer, 1498
Dürer was an early fan of the self-portrait and produced three in his lifetime (of which this example is the second).
The identity of artist as a personality and more than a craftsman had yet to be established and, as such, it was rather rare for artists of this era to be captured, particularly multiple time and from their own perspective. Dürer's self-portraits are fascinating, rich and lovely things. This one is tucked into a little corner of the museum and easily missed but you should make a point to seek it out.
Dürer depicts himself at half length, indoors under an arch, turning towards the viewer, with a window showing a lush landscape featuring a lake and snow-capped peaks. He is dressed richly and flamboyantly, inspired by Italian style, and the landscape in the background seems to suggest his recent travels.
This, paired with his long glossy blonde locks and haughty expression seem to suggest his social aspirations and high regard for himself. As such, it is a highly personal, fascinating work that gives us incredible insight into his character.
Dürer depicts himself at half length, indoors under an arch, turning towards the viewer, with a window showing a lush landscape featuring a lake and snow-capped peaks. He is dressed richly and flamboyantly, inspired by Italian style, and the landscape in the background seems to suggest his recent travels.
This, paired with his long glossy blonde locks and haughty expression seem to suggest his social aspirations and high regard for himself. As such, it is a highly personal, fascinating work that gives us incredible insight into his character.
2. The Garden of Earthly Delights, Hieronymus Bosch, between 1490 to 1510
Vast, impressive, detailed and iconic, this is one of those works that gathers crowds to ooh and aah. However, it is worth braving the crowds to see in person – just don't expect to get to take it in in peace. Bosch's most famous work, it is familiar to many through its frequent use in pop culture and is a Northern Renaissance triptych painted in oil on oak. The outer wings, when folded, show a grisaille painting of the earth during the biblical narrative of Creation. When open, the left panel depicts God presenting Eve to Adam, the central panel is a broad panorama of socially engaged nude figures, fantastical animals, oversized fruit and hybrid stone formations and the right panel is a hellscape. Truly a must-see, the colours are vivid and arresting and the scenes bizarre, fascinating and, often, disturbing.
For more must-see works in the Prado, be sure to read on to the following posts in this series.
Vast, impressive, detailed and iconic, this is one of those works that gathers crowds to ooh and aah. However, it is worth braving the crowds to see in person – just don't expect to get to take it in in peace. Bosch's most famous work, it is familiar to many through its frequent use in pop culture and is a Northern Renaissance triptych painted in oil on oak. The outer wings, when folded, show a grisaille painting of the earth during the biblical narrative of Creation. When open, the left panel depicts God presenting Eve to Adam, the central panel is a broad panorama of socially engaged nude figures, fantastical animals, oversized fruit and hybrid stone formations and the right panel is a hellscape. Truly a must-see, the colours are vivid and arresting and the scenes bizarre, fascinating and, often, disturbing.
For more must-see works in the Prado, be sure to read on to the following posts in this series.
