Spanish Art 1600-1700
- Comments
-
Glasgow Museums has a collection of 31 Spanish paintings from the period 1600–1700. These form one of the largest and finest such groups in the UK. This collection represents the ‘golden age’ of Spanish painting, which had begun in the late 16th century. It comprises court portraits and religious subjects, with the latter mainly depicting New Testament stories and images of the Madonna and Child or saints. Some of the most famous painters, such as Murillo, Velazquez and Ribera, are represented by early works or workshop productions. Some of the best paintings in the collection are by slightly lesser-known artists, such as Alonso Cano, Tristan and Cajès. The collection forms part of Sir William Stirling-Maxwell’s collection, which was gifted to the City of Glasgow by Mrs Anne Maxwell Macdonald in 1966. During the 17th century, Spain continued to develop a more elaborate style in art and architecture as part of the Counter-Reformation, a reforming movement of the Roman Catholic church. This art of this period is ornate and detailed, often with a theme of emotional intensity or dramatic religious content.
- Broader term
- Staff Contact