Exploring the streets of Spain during your study abroad trip, you could be craving more culture. If that's the case, then why not jump on the chance to take a weekend excursion to Madrid to add yet another dimension to your experience? By making your way to Spain's capital and largest city, you can explore its art and get a taste of even more flavor that this country has to offer.
After exploring Barcelona, you may be interested in delving deeper as you immerse yourself in this nation's way of life. While it may be challenging to pry yourself away, you definitely don't want to miss out on Madrid or its famous Museo del Prado.
On par with the Louvre, the Museo del Prado is one of the most prestigious galleries around the globe. With more than 7,000 paintings in its repertoire, this museum presents you with the opportunity to view work masterfully created by some of history's most talented artists. In fact, a number of these masterpieces could serve as a visual narrative of Spain's story. By walking through these galleries, you can practically relive this country's past and better understand its present.
Go gaga for Goya
For example, you can cast your eyes upon Velázquez's portraits of the royal family. Being personally close to the monarchs, he was able to capture them in a unique light that was unlike any other artist's work. From there, you can make your way to the works done by Goya. His pieces were definitely of the darker side, and viewing his Pinturas Negras, you can get a sense of a rougher and even twisted component of Spanish history when compared to the distinguished works of Velázquez.
If you're intrigued by Goya's paintings, then you can continue the fun by exploring the three whole floors dedicated to his art. There are pieces conveying bold political statements, such as El Dos de Mayo and El Tres de Mayo, which document the country's revolt against the French in 1808 and the execution of Madrid rebels that followed.
Check out Velázquez
However, if Velázquez called out to you more, then you should take a more in-depth look at the collection on display at the Museo del Prado. Perhaps the most famous of his pieces, Las Meninas, is housed in this institution, and tourists flock here each year to see it. The other name that is often used when referring to this piece is La Família de Felipe IV. In this painting, Velázquez placed himself doing what he did best – painting – on the left side of the frame. Margarita, a child, is in the center of the work.
While some may think that this is all there is to Las Meninas, you should take a closer look and witness the ingeniousness of this artist. In the mirror of the painting, you can see the reflection of the king and queen who are also in the room, though out of frame. Additionally, check out the cross on his vest, showing that he is in the Order of Santiago. Even though, Velázquez was eventually inducted into this order, he hadn't yet at the time he painted the picture – he just felt like giving it to himself.