Museums of Madrid

 The Prado Museum is the jewel of the art museums in Madrid. I was somewhat disappointed in this museum because while there were some fabulous paintings, it was all about Spanish artists.  I really expected something closer to the Met or the Louvre which are more broad spectrum of world art.    

That said…..  The presentation of the El Greco painting, and the Reubens paintings were unforgettable.  El Greco’s painting of "The Crucifixion" was haunting.  I also liked "The Annunciation".  [Since I took that Renaissance to Present Art History class, I've become obsessed with paintings of the annunciation which is when the angel reveals to the Virgin Mary that she is pregnant.]     Ruebens Three Graces was my fav of the chubby.  They also had a Caravaggio.  Usually, the pictures would tell it all.  However, The Prado Museum doesn't allow pictures, so you'll just have to take my word.  

"Guernica" by Pablo Picasso

Moving on to the Reina Sofia, the modern art museum, I truly enjoyed it more than The Prado.  First, and foremost, it holds "Guernica".  This is Picasso’s acknowledged masterpiece about the Spanish Civil War in the 1930’s.  Franco, a Fascist, seized power in Spain precipitating the Spanish Civil War in the mid 1930's.  Franco tested out Hitler’s new weapons and war strategies, taking three years to destroy the legitimate government.  Franco stayed in power as a dictator for decades.  

Picasso bequeathed Guernica to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC with the provision that when an elected democratic government was restored in Spain, "Guernica" would return to Spain.  It was obvious by the crowds of school children how this painting is regarded as a Spanish treasure.  Happily, Dali and Kandinsky were also represented. As an adjunct to Guernica there were photographs from the Spanish Civil War.  Flamenco was also celebrated here.  As always, the pix tell it all. 

Barron Thyssen

My favorite Madrid art museum was The Thyssen.  Think Frick or Morgan or Bass (Ft Worth).  This was a magnificent private collection with art from Medieval times to Modern/Contemporary paintings.  Surprisingly, artists from all over the world are represented. There were quite a few American painters including Western artists - Russell, Remington, and Bierstadt.  As a happy happenstance, there was a special exhibition from the art museum in Venice which displayed some real treasures. 

Madrid also has a Royal Palace.  It had all the gorgeous frescos, furniture, paintings and knickknacks along with a gilded chapel.  The King of Spain actually lives there.  The priceless items were a chamber set of Stradivarius instruments - two violins, one viola, and a cello.  It was the most  impressive palace I’ve ever seen.  [There's a separate blog entry for the Palace.]

The historical center of Madrid is filled with gardens, fountains, and beautiful  buildings.  We only spent a small amount of time in this city.  It deserves a return visit. 

Pictures galore with this blog entry. 

Reina Sofia Museum 

Thyssen Collection