ROMANTIC PAINTING BEAUTIFULLY CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF CÓRDOBA'S HISTORIC CENTRE

During my visit to the Fine Arts museum of Córdoba, I was captivated by an 1884 painting titled "Sunday in Córdoba on the banks of the Guadalquivir." This delightful artwork, a creation of the talented artist Rafael Romero Barros, instantly drew me in. Romero Barros, born in Moguer, Huelva in 1832 and later residing in Córdoba until 1895, was known for his romantic-style easel oil paintings. This particular piece measures a modest 38 x 55.5 cm, typical of the kind of work produced by artists of that era.

EXPLORING CÓRDOBA'S ENCHANTING JUDERÍA

My journey to Córdoba was enhanced by the enchanting experience of exploring the city's renowned historic Jewish Quarter, known as the Judería. As I ventured into the heart of Córdoba, I found myself transported to a time when this neighbourhood was totally enclosed by formidable medieval walls, creating a distinct and culturally significant area within the city.

CORDOBA'S MIHRAB: THE SACRED SPACE UNVEILED

As I stood in the enchanting Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, my eyes were drawn to the mesmerizing Mihrab. It was no ordinary niche; instead, it unfolded as a sacred space, a small octagonal chamber enveloped by a delicate scallop shell dome. The Mihrab seemed to project itself into the depths of history, taking me on a journey through time.

ORANGES OF ANDALUSIA: A PAINTER'S MASTERPIECE

I extend a warm invitation to all those who hold a deep admiration for the beauty of Spanish art to embark on a captivating journey to the Fine Arts Museum of Córdoba. There, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the artist Rafael Romero Barros and this extraordinary work.

CORDOBA'S HYPOSTYLE HALL: A LIVING LEGACY

Stepping into the Hypostyle Hall of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba was like embarking on a mesmerizing journey through time, culture, and art. This extraordinary space isn't merely a physical structure; it's a living testament to the rich tapestry of Al-Andalus's cultural and historical heritage.

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