Rubens reigns in Barcelona: Prado masterpieces reveal Baroque genius and collaborative spirit
Image of the exhibition "Rubens and the Artists of Flemish Baroque. Collections from the Museo del Prado" at CaixaForum Barcelona. Photo © David Campos – "la Caixa" Foundation.
BARCELONA.—
CaixaForum Barcelona has thrown open its doors to "Rubens and the Artists of Flemish Baroque. Collections from the Museo del Prado," a breathtaking exhibition that plunges visitors into the explosive creative world of Peter Paul Rubens and his brilliant contemporaries. On view until September 21, this show isn't just an art exhibit; it's a testament to a powerful era of artistic innovation and a strategic partnership bringing unparalleled treasures to Spain's cultural capital.
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This grand collaboration marks the sixth time "la Caixa" Foundation and the Museo Nacional del Prado have joined forces, underscoring their commitment to sharing Spain's rich artistic heritage. Following hugely successful shows featuring Goya and Velázquez, this latest endeavor promises to be equally captivating, pulling back the curtain on the boundless energy and profound influence of Flemish Baroque.
Stepping into the Master's World
Upon entering, visitors are immediately transported into a theatrical recreation of a 17th-century artist's studio, complete with easels, materials, and a sense of bustling creativity. This immersive welcome sets the stage for understanding the collaborative spirit that defined Rubens' immense output. "It's about inviting people into the atmosphere where these masterpieces were born," explained José Juan Pérez Preciado, the exhibition's curator from the Prado.
Rubens, born in 1577, was far more than just a painter. He was a scholar, a diplomat, a linguist, and a keen collector, whose cosmopolitan worldview fueled a vibrant approach to both life and art that was truly extraordinary for his time. His work is instantly recognizable for its frenzied compositions, explosive dynamism, and powerfully sensual expressiveness – hallmarks that would define the Baroque aesthetic. His overwhelming personality and prolific output didn't just redefine art in 17th-century Flanders; they inspired a generation.
The exhibition beautifully demonstrates how Rubens constantly studied and even "perfected" works by earlier masters, incorporating classical sculptures into his own paintings. This "inspired creation" allowed him to bring the grandeur of past artistic traditions to northern Europe.
Divine Passions and Profound Iconography
One of the exhibition's highlights is the section dedicated to "Divine Passions," where classical mythology explodes onto the canvas. Here, Rubens' "The Judgment of Paris," a late work specially restored for the occasion, takes center stage. This large-format oil painting, infused with sensuality and a deep study of Ovid's Metamorphoses, captures the fateful moment Paris chooses love over wisdom or power, igniting the Trojan War. Nearby, Diana and Her Nymphs Surprised by Satyrs further showcases Rubens' ability to infuse mythological narratives with life and emotion.
The exhibition then pivots to Rubens' role as a "Great Innovator of Religious Iconography." In the wake of intense religious wars that devastated much of the Low Countries' artistic heritage, Rubens and his contemporaries seized the opportunity to create powerful new images for the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Works like Rubens' Rest on the Flight into Egypt with Saints (once owned by Charles I of England) and poignant Pietàs by Van Dyck and Jordaens pulse with tension, emotion, and faith, demonstrating how art became a tool for spiritual renewal.
The Rise of the Collector and Propaganda's Brush
The show also delves into the fascinating birth of art collecting in Flanders. The wealthy and discerning, including figures like Isabella Clara Eugenia, daughter of Philip II and Governor of the Low Countries, saw Flemish art as a powerful statement of prosperity. Rubens and his protégé Jan Brueghel the Elder created stunning works that were not just beautiful but also diplomatic tools, sent to the Spanish court to showcase the region's cultural excellence.
In the "Art and Power" section, visitors discover how Flemish art served as a potent instrument for political and religious propaganda. In an era of constant warfare, Rubens' diplomatic skills and powerful allegorical compositions exalted rulers and glorified Spain's military triumphs. Works like Rubens' majestic The Immaculate Conception and Peter Snayers' vivid Isabella Clara Eugenia at the Siege of Breda showcase art at the service of state and faith.
Faces, Figures, and the Everyday
The exhibition's exploration of portraiture and human figure studies reveals the Flemish artists' dedication to capturing not just physical likeness but personality. From Rubens' commanding portrait of Maria de' Medici to Van Dyck's powerful Count Hendrik van den Bergh and Jordaens' expressive Three Traveling Musicians, these works highlight diverse artistic approaches to the human form.
The show concludes by celebrating the impact of pictorial genres on Flemish painting, from vibrant landscapes and lively genre scenes reflecting everyday life in the Low Countries to captivating still lifes. Works like Jan Brueghel the Elder's Market and Laundry in Flanders transport viewers to bustling 17th-century streets, while David Teniers' Peasant Meal and Smokers offer intimate glimpses into popular culture.
Finally, the exhibition offers a captivating look at "Live Nature, Still Life," featuring stunning animal paintings like Paul de Vos's dynamic Stag Hunted by a Pack of Dogs and Frans Snyders' tactile Fruit Bowl. These works, often commissioned by wealthy elites, not only showcase incredible artistic skill but also reflect the tastes and interests of the era's burgeoning collector class.
Become a Collaborator!
Adding an innovative touch, the exhibition invites visitors to become "Rubens' Collaborators for a Day." An audiovisual display details the master's workshop process, including the collaborative creation of works like Mercury and Argus. In the interactive "From the Workshop to the Gallery" space, guests can even participate in a didactic commission, placing silhouettes of figures from the exhibition onto various artwork backgrounds.
This unparalleled exhibition at CaixaForum Barcelona promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar, offering a profound and engaging exploration of a golden age in art history. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the enduring legacy of Rubens and the incredible artists of the Flemish Baroque.
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