Spain and the Latin American World" at the Royal Academy of Arts in London

The Royal Academy of Arts is delighted to present the exhibition "Spain and the Latin American World," which showcases an unprecedented collection from the Museum and Library of the Latin American Society in New York. This exhibition offers a captivating visual journey through the history of Spanish culture, featuring a wide range of artworks from Spain and colonial Latin America, spanning from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century.

The exhibition highlights the diverse cultural and religious influences that have shaped Spanish culture over four millennia. From Celtic and Islamic to Christian, Jewish, American, African, and Asian influences, these diverse elements have contributed to the formation and enrichment of Spanish culture throughout history.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to view over 150 works presented in chronological order. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, maps, drawings, and illustrated manuscripts. This is the first time this collection is being showcased in the United Kingdom, making it a remarkable event for art enthusiasts.

Key paintings featured in the exhibition include notable works by the Duchess of Alba, Francisco de Goya, Diego Velázquez, El Greco, as well as post-impressionist and contemporary artists such as Joaquín Sorolla and Ignacio Zuloaga. The exhibition's final section houses a large-scale panoramic work, serving as a sketch for a monumental fresco, created by Sara Yáñez in 1912-1919, depicting Spain's vision for Latin American society.

In addition to paintings and sculptures, the exhibition displays polychrome busts, reliquaries, and decorative applied art pieces such as clay vessels, bell culture artifacts, Hispano-Islamic silk fabrics, and 14th-16th-century chandeliers. Treasures from the renowned library of the Spanish Society are also on display, including the Jewish Bible from 1450 and an exceptionally rare book by Bernardino de Sahagún from 1458, among other Latin American manuscripts and rare books.

The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the extensive collection of Spanish and Latin American art and artifacts. It is undoubtedly a highlight of the 2023 art calendar and should not be missed. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the rich artistic traditions that have shaped the cultural heritage of both Spain and Latin America.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition "Spain and the Latin American World" at the Royal Academy of Arts in London presents a visual history of Spanish culture, showcasing a wide selection of artworks from Spain and colonial Latin America. The collection features works dating from ancient times to the early 20th century, reflecting the influences of various cultures and religions that have shaped Spanish culture for over four millennia.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to explore more than 150 works displayed in chronological order. The collection encompasses diverse art forms, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, maps, drawings, and illustrated manuscripts. This exhibition marks the first presentation of this remarkable collection in the United Kingdom, making it a significant event for art enthusiasts.

Key Paintings and Artists

Noteworthy works exhibited include key paintings by prominent artists. The exhibition features the works of the Duchess of Alba and Francisco de Goya, whose masterpieces represent the 18th and 19th centuries.

Visitors can also admire the captivating portraits of Diego Velázquez, the unique artistic expressions of El Greco, and the contributions of post-impressionist and contemporary artists such as Joaquín Sorolla and Ignacio Zuloaga.

Monumental Fresco and Sculptures

The exhibition's final section presents a large-scale panoramic work, which serves as a sketch for a monumental fresco created by Sara Yáñez between 1912 and 1919. Additionally, the exhibition showcases polychrome sculptures, busts, and reliquaries, including the notable work of Pedro de Mena. Visitors can also appreciate decorative applied art pieces, such as clay vessels, bell culture artifacts, Hispano-Islamic silk fabrics, and chandeliers from the 14th to 16th centuries.

Treasures from the Spanish Society's Library

One of the exhibition's highlights is the display of treasures from the renowned library of the Spanish Society. This collection includes the most important collection of Latin American manuscripts and rare books outside of Spain. Visitors can view significant moments in history through the exhibition of rare items such as the Jewish Bible from 1450 and an exceptionally rare book by Bernardino de Sahagún from 1458.

Duration and Invitation

The exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts will continue until April 10th, allowing ample time for art enthusiasts to experience the comprehensive collection. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the extensive display of Spanish and Latin American art and artifacts. It promises to be an enriching and memorable experience that celebrates the cultural heritage of both Spain and Latin America.

Featured artists at the exhibition include Diego Velázquez, renowned for his portraits that combine Caravaggio's lighting style with Baroque elements, and El Greco, whose early influences from the late Byzantine style and studies of Titian in Venice and Michelangelo in Rome shaped his unique artistic vision. Notable works by Francisco de Goya, such as the portrait of the Duchess of Alba, further contribute to the diverse artistic representation at the exhibition.

The exhibition at the Royal Academy will run until April 10th, providing ample time for art enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the remarkable collection. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this comprehensive display of Spanish and Latin American art and artifacts, as it promises to be a truly enriching and memorable experience.