THE MAJESTIC 'VIRGIN OF THE CARTHUSIANS' BY FRANCISCO DE ZURBARÁN

I had to sit down to take in the full size of this huge painting of the Virgin of the Carthusians or the Virgin of the Caves or the Virgin of Mercy, 1655, by Francisco de Zurbarán, as it measures approximately 217 x 161 centimeters (or about 85.4 x 63.4 inches) in size.

ZURBARÁN'S FEMALE SAINTS: AWE-INSPIRING MASTERPIECES

I finally got to meet these beautiful ladies of Francisco de Zurbarán up close. It was amazing to get the opportunity to really appreciate the intricacies of these masterpieces. The meticulous rendering of fabrics decorated with intricate patterns and textures adds to the overall richness of the compositions and demonstrates Zurbarán's exceptional ability to capture minute details and textures.

WATCH * 3D ANIMATION OF GALATEA OF THE SPHERES * A DALI PORTRAIT

"Galatea of the Spheres"," painted by the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí in 1952, is a remarkable testimony to Dalí's unmistakable artistic style and his enthusiasm for the realms of science and mysticism. This masterpiece encompasses various facets that illuminate the complexity of Dalí's vision:

WATCH * UN CHIEN ANDALOU * SALVADOR DALI'S FIRST FILM

In 1929, Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989) collaborated in Paris with the Spanish film director and fellow student Luis Buñuel (1900 - 1983) on a film project that was so peculiar that it achieved legendary status. It was the first deliberate attempt to shock the audience.

WATCH DESTINO * SENSATIONAL SURREALIST MAGIC

Destino was an animated short film that resulted from a collaboration between Walt Disney and the Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. The music, composed by Mexican songwriter Armando Domínguez and performed by Mexican singer Dora Luz, accompanied the captivating images.

SEVILLE'S ARTISTIC TREASURES: PEDRO DE MENA'S MASTERPIECES

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville, where I saw three exquisite wooden masterpieces by my favourite 17th century artist and sculptor, Pedro de Mena y Medrano. This Spanish Baroque sculptor, who was born in Granada in August 1628 and died in Málaga on 13 October 1688, had a profound impact on the world of art.

DIVINE ESSENCE: MURILLO'S 'VIRGIN OF THE NAPKIN

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's "The Virgin of the Napkin" is a captivating masterpiece that captures the divine essence of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus. The painting was made in 1666 for the Capuchin Church in Seville. It measures 67 by 72 centimetres and remains one of the most popular depictions of the Virgin Mary. I took my time, sat down on a bench and admired this iconic work of art in the Fine Arts Museum in Seville.

THE MANNERIST MAJESTY OF THE IMPERIAL STAIRCASE OF LA MERCED

During my recent trip to Seville, I came across the old convent of La Merced, in the heart of the city, which now houses the Seville Fine Arts Museum. This historical gem occupies a significant block in the heart of Seville and I could not help but be enchanted by it.

THE YOUTHFUL ST. JOSEPH AND THE ARTISTIC LEGACY OF BARTOLOMÉ ESTEBAN MURILLO

I was very excited to see this beautifully restored (1665-1666) painting of St Joseph with his son. I had read a lot about it and that it was destined for the main altarpiece of the Capuchin monastery church in Seville.

FROM CANINE COMPANION TO CANVAS HISTORY

 

I first came across this painting while researching for my book "Spanish Dogs: The Story of Dogs in Spanish History, Culture & the Arts". It immediately caught my attention because unlike many other dogs depicted in Spanish art, this one was clearly a beloved pet. It was great to find it in the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville.