The Prado

The Prado in Madrid was inaugurated in 1819 by Ferdinand VII. Throughout the nineteenth century the various Royal Collections were transferred tot he Museum, giving it the extraordinarily personal character which is evident to this day. Successive Spanish Kings and Queens shared an interest in art which was deeply passionate and undoubtedly person relying, as they did, on individual taste rather than the considered opinion of scholars or trends in fashion. The authors have traced the beginnings of the collection, allowing us an insight not how was amassed. Many canvases and panels were exchanged between the monarchs of Spain and other European countries in order to make the paths of diplomacy smoother. Other works were commissioned directly from the artists., while still others were purchased on the advice of Court painters. Velazquez for example, acquired the Venus and Adonis by Veronese in Italy when he was commissioned by Philip IV to buy any words he considered suitable for the Royal Collections. The Prado contains the most important collection of Spanish Masters to be found anywhere in the world, as well as impressive collections of other European Masters. Nowhere else can one find so many works by El Greco, Velazquez, Zurbaran, Murillo and Goya. The Prado continues its brilliant representation of Spanish painting with may works by Gris, Miro and Picasso. The great strength of the Prado is that it has also amassed extensive collections of other European artists: the works of Hieronymus Bosch are unsurpassed in any other gallery, the Titian collection is vast and Ruben's development is particularly well represented. Each of the very nearly 400 splendidly reproduced colour plates in this book have been specially photographed and are accompanied by captions giving details of the artist, the works title, date, medium and dimensions as well as the provenance.