Spanish Golden Age painters on show in Berlin
Velázquez, El Greco, Zurbarán - the Berlin Gemäldegalerie presents more than 130 paintings and sculptures from Spain's Golden Age. The works are being shown outside of Spain for the first time.
Velázquez not only a painter of portraits
Diego Velázquez is renowned for his outstanding portraits, but his "Three Musicians" shows a different side of the artist. Here, he found inspiration in a scene of daily life, far removed from official court proceedings. The gleaming faces of the boy, as well as the other musicians, express their enjoyment of music.
'Young Man With a Fruit Basket'
In addition to Velázquez and El Greco, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo is a significant representative of the Golden Age. Originating from Andalusia, he stands for the diversity of Spanish art that was not limited to the capital Madrid. Murillo focused on portraying the religious saints. His more worldly paintings reflect popular scenes in his home town Sevilla.
El Greco's 'Saint Martin and the Beggar'
Yet another outstanding Spanish painter represented in the Berlin exhibition is El Greco, who lived and worked in Toledo. Thanks to him, the little town in the shadow of Madrid evolved into an important art center in Spain during the 17th century. "Saint Martin and the Beggar," painted in his favorite colors, is one of his masterworks.
Radical realist works
The artists of "El Siglo de Oro" are not only renowned for their capability for depicting emotions, but also for their penchant towards radical realism. "Lying Christ" by Gregorio Fernández is exemplary for that particular propensity. His finger nails are of genuine horn, and his colored glass eyes stare at the visitors.
The 'painter of monks'
Francisco de Zurbarán painted legends, religious themes, portraits of monks and the saints. The protagonists of Catholic orders and their mystical inner world dominate his oeuvre, which is why he became known as the "painter of monks." In this painting, he depicted Saint Margareta of Antioch.
Still life with books
The Netherlands enjoy a particular reputation for magnificent still lifes, whereas such works from Spain tend to be more sparse. The difference is partially due to the selection of objects, for example, Lenten food with a dark background, or simple items of daily life. This still life with books by an unknown painter emanates a sense of modesty and plainness.