THE ARTS OF SPAIN

Due to the country’s complex history, ‘secluded’ geographical position and a unique mix of cultural influences, the arts of Spain developed with some highly idiosyncratic and contrasting characteristics. At the same time, no other country- except Italy- has had such an impact on the development of European painting as Spain. Join me for the two talks that explore the particular nature of Spanish art and celebrate its masters and masterworks.

Both live talks will be recorded and available for online viewing.

TIME: 17h00 (UK) / 18h00 (CET)

Thursday, 9 January 2025, 17h00 GMT:

The Arts of Spain I – Introduction

This talk introduces the historical background and the distinctive aspects of Spanish art from the medieval period until the 17th century – from Moorish traditions and Pedro Berruguete’s striking realism to El Greco’s nervous Mannerism; from the ornamental cornucopia of plateresque architecture to the stark simplicity of El Escorial.

Thursday, 6 February 2025, 17h00 GMT:

The Arts of Spain II – from Velasquez to Picasso

The lecture focuses on the specific contributions of Spanish painting to the history of art: from the Gooden Age in the 17th century, with Velasquez, Ribera, Zurbaran and Murillo, to the geniuses of Goya and Picasso.