MADRID.- A beloved painting by the Spanish master Diego Velázquez, "Queen Isabel of Bourbon on Horseback," has been restored to its original splendor and is back on display at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Fundación Iberdrola España, the painting has undergone a meticulous restoration process, removing years of grime and varnish that had dulled its colors and obscured its details.
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The painting, a monumental equestrian portrait, was originally created for the Salón de Reinos (Hall of Realms) in the Buen Retiro Palace. It is part of a series of equestrian portraits commissioned by King Philip IV, including depictions of himself, his son Prince Baltasar Carlos, and his parents, King Philip III and Queen Margaret of Austria.
The restoration, carried out by expert María Álvarez Garcillán, has revealed the painting's true vibrancy and depth. “The queen has recovered the regal bearing and serene and natural beauty with which she was portrayed," says Garcillán. "And, with unique mastery, the horse once again shows off its qualities in a display of naturalism that only a genius like Velázquez is capable of recreating.”
The project also involved addressing some unique challenges. Velázquez himself had altered the painting in the 1630s, adding side panels to fit the artwork into a specific space in the Salón de Reinos. These additions had discolored over time, further complicating the restoration. The team carefully removed these later additions, revealing the original composition and allowing for a more accurate appreciation of Velázquez's artistry.
“This restoration shows us the original piece conceived by one of the great masters of Spanish painting," says Jaime Alfonsín, president of Fundación Iberdrola España. "It returns the work to its original appearance and shows us the splendor of the composition of this magnificent work as a whole, recovering the sharpness and brightness with which it was conceived.”
The painting now hangs in its designated spot in Room 12 of the Prado Museum, alongside other masterpieces from the Spanish royal collection. Art lovers and history buffs alike can once again marvel at this iconic work, appreciating the skill of both the original artist and the dedicated restorers who have ensured its preservation for generations to come.
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