No trip to Madrid would be complete without a guided visit of the Prado Museum. Madrid stands out from other cities for it famous Art Walk or the Golden Triangle of Art as it is also known. The walk passes through the Paseo del Prado and surrounds. Gardens, monuments and museums make up this beautiful walk. The three most important museums in the capital are situated on this Paseo: The Prado Museum, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum.
The museum’s creation was an idea of the king Carlos III. He commissioned his arquitect, Juan de Villanueva to begin work in 1785. What is curious is that the original idea was not to construct an art gallery at all. The monarch’s original idea was to build a Natural History Cabinet. He wanted a space to house “curious things”. On view, one could see dissected animals, minerals and antiques. Carlos III was a sovereign of The Enlightenment was was very much interested in science and original objects.
A museum of painting
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the Prado Museum became a picture gallery. The idea, this time, came from another monarch, also belonging to the Bourbon dynasty, Fernando VII. He filled it with his own works of art belonging to the Royal Collection. In doing so, he wanted to please his wife, María Isabel de Braganza. The museum’s creation delighted her greatly. In fact, in some paintings, she is represented as the museum’s founder.
Know Madrid in a special way by enjoying a guided visit of the Prado Museum. To be sure, the museum contains thousands of drawings and paintings, including many works of art. The Prado exhibits the very best in European and Spanish art. These paintings talk to us of important treasures and the life of the Spanish Royal Court.
The Prado Museum conserves, furthermore, art bought by the actual museum or donations from collectors. The ensemble comprises of artistic works from the 12th century up to the end of the 19th.
Visit the Prado Museum with an official guide
A guided tour with an official tour guide will help you to know the museum’s great artists. Enjoy the works of El Greco. He was the most original painter of his time.In addition, gaze upon the splendid works of Velazquez and his court paintings. His style of painting Madrid’s skies is very special. Look at the works of Ribera, Murillo or Zurbarán with their incredible form of painting cloth and still life.
Francisco de Goya is one of the most significant artists in the Prado Museum. Through him, we will learn the history of Spain. His paintings not only reflect the court life of Carlos IV or the war of independence. He also conceived a new style painting seen in his “black paintings”. Indeed, the effect is quite overwhelming.
The museum also houses painting and sculptors from outside Spain. Discover these amazing works of art in a guided tour.
Favourites of the Royal House, from the Austrias dynasty onwards, are the works of Bosco, Weyden and Rubens. The Italian artists are also greatly favoured. These are Botticelli, Fray Angélico or Caravaggio to mention but a few.
The tastes change with the Bourbons. They favoured artists who worked for them. An exampe is Jean Ranc or Watteau.
The halls of the Prado Museum, furthermore, are a refuge of never ending artists of many types and styles. How can a museum boast a collection of such artistic talent?
Come and visit the Prado with me on a guided tour. The wonders of the Prado await.