In the final post in this series, we are rounding up our highlights of works in the collection of the excellent Prado Museum in Madrid in Spain. Massive and stuffed full of incredible masterpieces from the history of European art, it is one of the finest galleries in the world and is an essential attraction for any and all art lovers who have found a vacation rental in Spain. Here are our last picks of must-see works in the gallery but, of course, there are many more wonderful gems to be seen.
5. Las Meninas, Diego Velázquez, 1656
It would be remiss of us not to mention Spanish works in this series and this example is one of, if not the, most famous works of art to have ever come out of Spain. Iconic and influential, it is another work that is probably familiar to many due to its appearances in pop culture.
5. Las Meninas, Diego Velázquez, 1656
It would be remiss of us not to mention Spanish works in this series and this example is one of, if not the, most famous works of art to have ever come out of Spain. Iconic and influential, it is another work that is probably familiar to many due to its appearances in pop culture.
Velázquez was the leading artist of the Spanish Golden Age and this is, undoubtedly his best loved and most celebrated works. It depicts a large room in the Royal Alcazar of Madrid during the reign of King Philip IV of Spain and features figures from the Spanish court. Some look out of the canvas towards the viewer, while others interact among themselves. At the centre is the young Infanta Margaret Theresa, surrounded by her entourage of maids of honour, chaperone, bodyguard, two dwarfs and a dog. Behind them, Velázquez portrays himself working at a large canvas. An intriguing insight into court life, rich and impressive in scale and appearance, it is an absolute must-see in the museum.
6. Saturn Devouring His Son, Francisco Goya, c. 1819–1823
Another Spanish work that is infinitely more disturbing (even if many questions remains about Las Meninas), this Goya piece tends to crop up in movies and shows as a favoured image of scary and, often, pyschopathic people. However, we say fight the fear and see it in person!
6. Saturn Devouring His Son, Francisco Goya, c. 1819–1823
Another Spanish work that is infinitely more disturbing (even if many questions remains about Las Meninas), this Goya piece tends to crop up in movies and shows as a favoured image of scary and, often, pyschopathic people. However, we say fight the fear and see it in person!
Depicted is the Greek myth of the Titan Cronus (or Saturn), who is eating each of his children upon birth, for fear that they would overthrow him. One of the 14 Black Paintings that Goya painted directly onto the walls of his house sometime between 1819 and 1823, it was later transferred to canvas after Goya's death and eventually came into the possession of the Prado.
While there are many more works to see, this is a great start so get planning your trip to Spain and pencil in the Prado – you're ready to visit!
While there are many more works to see, this is a great start so get planning your trip to Spain and pencil in the Prado – you're ready to visit!