WHISPERS OF HISTORY: THE MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL'S ARCHITECTURAL TALE

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, in the heart of Córdoba, is an awe-inspiring testament to the fusion of two rich architectural traditions, Islamic and Christian. What strikes me the most about this historical gem is its remarkable and intricate architectural journey.

THE REMARKABLE TALE OF COLUMBUS AND BEATRIZ: A LOVE FOUND IN CÓRDOBA

The painting "Columbus Leaving the Mosque Where Beatriz Appears" by Rafael Romero de Torres, created in 1892, is displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba. 

SURPRISES IN THE HEART OF CORDOBA: THE TALE OF PLAZA DEL POTRO

Córdoba, a maze of criss-crossing micro streets, beckoned me on a thrilling escapade as I descended from the bustling Plaza de Capuchinos towards the Museum of Fine Arts. Just when I thought I had unravelled the city's secrets, a delightful surprise awaited me in the form of the Plaza del Potro, home to the famous Posada del Potro immortalized by Cervantes in Don Quixote, standing guard at the entrance to the illustrious museum.

BEAUTIFUL SEVILLE MODEL CAPTURES THE EYE OF TWO LEGENDARY ARTISTS

During my enchanting art-filled journey through Andalusia in October 2023, my steps led me to the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville. Amidst the myriad of captivating artworks, one masterpiece in particular bewitched my senses. It went by the name "Sevillana en su patio" (Seville's Belle in her Courtyard), and it portrayed a serene maiden clad in pure white, gracefully reclining on a divan within a Sevillian courtyard. This picturesque scene evoked the spirit of the Belle Époque, forsaking the rigidity of tradition for an air of casual and carefree elegance that defined that era.

GOYA * tba

REGISTER NOW!! Dive into the dark and unsettling world of Francisco Goya, where art doesn't just replicate reality—it provokes, terrifies, and mocks the superstitions of society. 

In a special Halloween talk by art historian Karla Ingleton Darocas, explore Goya’s most haunting works, images that challenge reason and leave you shaken. 

Prepare to be intoxicated by some of the most terrifying and thought-provoking pieces in Western art history. 

Don't miss it!  

REVIEWS

"I knew that Romanticism was not as romantic as we know it today. I knew it more as 'melancholic'. But Goya's Sublime went a step further. His strikingly emotional paintings of his time are depictions of the horrors in life - fires, ship wreaks, kidnappings, bandits, asylums, prisons, death, etc.

I can understand that his imagination took over when he painted what he read in the newspapers. I admit that these paintings are not exactly easy to look at, but the lecture helped me to understand the man and the painter better 

Karla allows us to see more than just a painting. I highly recommend Karla Darocas's classes."

 * jo jouas, denia

**"

"I learned how much I really didn't know! Goya, the last of the old Masters and introducer of the moderns. A private man with emotional and health battles culminating in his deafness which introduced an era of his art which showed his despair and bleakness of the world surrounding him whilst at the same time giving a glimmer of the hope waiting patiently in the shadows. Karla brings these artists to life with emotional tales that make you both weep and laugh as you live your life with them. I love the originality and fervour in the teaching style of Karla Darocas. I would recommend Karla to others, and I do!"

 * Sue Martin, Pedreguer

BOOK LAUNCH

THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support my little book launch this morning. It was a joy and a privilege to present this milestone being my 8th publication with all of you. ❤️❤️

SEASON 2023 - DON'T MISS ANYTHING!! JOIN NOW...

 

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10 Reasons Why Studying Art History in Spain Offers a Rich and Captivating Experience by Karla Darocas, Arts Historian

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I have been researching, writing and teaching about Spanish art for over 30 years.  I have found that studying art history in Spain offers a unique opportunity to explore a vibrant artistic landscape that spans centuries, cultures and movements. It is an enriching journey that broadens artistic horizons, and deepens understanding and appreciation of the fascinating world of art.

Here are 10 reasons why I love Spain and its artistic heritage!

Sculptures by the Andalusian Baroque Master Pedro de Mena in Gandía

One of my favourite treasure chests is the Santa Clara Museum in Gandia. Its roots go back to 1431, when Violante de Aragón, daughter of Alfonso de Aragón - senor, Duke of Gandia, founded the convent of Santa Clara in this town.

Since its foundation, many famous women have sought the spiritual refuge of the convent, either because of a sincere vocation or because they were forced to do so by their families who were unable to provide a suitable marriage.

* Report by art historian and educator , Karla Darocas, Hons. B.A. (KarlaDarocas.com)

MAJA WITH A SMALL DOG, 1865, Eugenio Lucas Velázquez

One of the most impressive paintings that will catch your eye when you visit the Carmen Thyssen Museum in Málaga is this completely relaxed "Maja with a Small Dog". It was painted in 1865 by the madrileño, Eugenio Lucas Velázquez, one of the most popular artists of the Spanish Romantic period, considered the best successor to Goya.

Undoubtedly, Eugenio Lucas is paying homage to Goya's masterful work, the Maja, of which there are two versions, one clothed and one nude. Eugenio preferred the clothed Maja to the nude Maja, which allowed him to tell a much fuller story.

* Report by art historian and educator , Karla Darocas, Hons. B.A. (KarlaDarocas.com)