Prado Museum in Madrid Undergoes Exhibition of Artistic Masterpieces
A Peek into June 13, 2025 - Madrid, Spain
Morning came early on the 13th, and we started our day watching the European edition of CNN - always a nerve-wracking experience. We enjoyed some excellent coffee in our room, a treat from a local market nearby. A quick Uber ride later, we found ourselves at the Prado Museum, skipping the long lines with our prepurchased tickets. The architectural marvel, encircling an open courtyard for the leisurely, was the perfect setting for the art extravaganza ahead.
The Velázquez collection stole our attention with the vibrant "Adoration of the Magi" and other breathtaking murals. Goya's works showcased a mix of dark and light colors, depicting his exuberance for life.
While our fellow museum-goers whirled around us in a colorful language medley, we paused in the central courtyard for some coffee and pastries, soaking up the artistry surrounding us.
We stumbled upon a collection of Hieronymus Bosch's paintings, featuring a peculiar perspective reminiscent of Salvador Dalí's artistry centuries later. Bosch's "Garden of Earthly Delights" is a fascinating array of miniatures, depicting peculiar poses and activities, suggesting Dali's inspiration.
El Greco's portraits of the illustrious and influential of his time were not our cup of tea. His paintings, focusing on self-promotion, felt monotonous. Reubens's delightful, vivid paintings of the wealthy were technically impressive but insipid in subject matter. The "Reubenesque nudes" echoed the voluptuous femmes fatales of the time. Breughel the Elder, however, stood out as a favorite. His "Five Paintings of the Senses" exhibit displayed remarkable technique, color, and wit.
Over two to three hours, we found ourselves losing interest in the artworks due to the "Museum Glaze" effect. Mary headed to the gift shop to buy bookmarks, while I sat and observed the bustling crowd of international visitors. A thought struck me - I noticed a preference for the French Impressionists, who often depicted intimate scenes of one or two individuals, contrasted with the Spanish artists' depictions of large crowds engaged in various activities. This nuance, although inconsequential, struck me as interesting.
Leaving the Prado, we walked across the street to a grand hotel for a brief taxi ride back to our hotel (currently costing $10 Euros). As we reached our hotel, we were surprised by a sea of young Spaniards marching down Avenue Atocha, chanting "Jesus, Salvator Mundi" in unison. I am unsure what this gathering signified, but it appeared to be a religious or spiritual demonstration, with thousands of enthusiastic participants proclaiming their love for Jesus, the Savior.
After a restful evening at our hotel, we called it a day, enjoying a delightful "Vino Tinto" and a crisp margarita pizza in the room. An unusual sight of a boisterous crowd of youngsters chanting religious slogans rounded off our first day in Madrid.
(571 words)
Joseph Xavier Martin
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In the midst of our Spanish sojourn, the Prado Museum became a testament to our travel and lifestyle, offering a rich tapestry of art that transported us through time. On the following day, we planned to seek more artistic marvels, hoping to continue our exploration of Madrid's unique cultural landscape.
