Visit: Museo Lazaro Galdiano, Calle Serrano 122, 28006 Madrid Spain
The portrait of Lady Sondes:
Carefully executed and slightly idealised portraits were the signature style of the painter and theorist Sir Joshua Reynolds, who in this piece presents us to the fashionably dressed Lady Sondes, one of the many high-class clients he had. Reynolds was one of the most prolific English painters of all time and his art is considered an exercise in idealising the imperfect.
El Greco’s St Francis in ecstasy:
The Master needs little introduction. His art has been characterised as both genius and insane, masterly and reckless experimentation. His personal and instantly recognisable style is evident in St Francis in ecstasy, characterised by the Master’s typical elongated figures and harsh lighting.
Hieronymus Bosch’s St John the Baptist in the Wilderness: Hieronymus Bosch is well known for his surrealistic and detailed landscapes. Look closer and you might find that this painting is hiding a secret or rather it is hiding a person.
Duration: 20 minutes
Visit: National Archaeological Museum, C. de Serrano, 13, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Diadem from Caravaca de la Cruz:
Marvel at this rare diadem, made out of gold, as other diadems of the period are silver. Found in a female burial near Murcia, it must have belonged to a powerful lady from the local elite. The diadem is a powerful indicator of the increase in social inequality in Iron Age Iberia.
The Priest of Cádiz:
This friendly guy with a golden mask is one of the most beautiful samples of the presence of the Phoenicians in Ancient Spain. Discover his contested identity by observing the attributes he bears: his golden mask and what he holds in his hands. Likely made in Phoenician lands and brought to Cadiz, this little statue is a good example of the importance Cadiz already enjoyed as a commercial city during this period.
The Beast of Balazote:
This limestone sculpture found in the province of Albacete, in eastern Spain, represents an animal half bull half human, a beast that is clearly not of this world.
Duration: 15 minutes
Visit: Parque del Retiro, Plaza Della Indipendecia 7, 28001 Madrid Spain
Casita del Pescador:
Ordered to be built by king Ferdinand VII for his personal use, the house of the fisherman is built in the middle of the pond in what looks like a fairytale environment.
Parterre Garden:
Exotic flora, lavish fountains characterize this garden making it one of the most beautiful views of the park. Learn interesting facts about the garden and its history while taking a stroll in this charming plaza.
Estanque Grande:
Being there for the past 4 centuries, indicating one of the most landscapes of the park, the Big Pond of El Retiro used to be a private crown possession that has passed through on to the hands of the government today. You may practice sailing or marvel at the enormous size of the pond while listening to our stories.
Palacio de Velazquez:
Originally built for the 1883 Exposición Nacional de Minería and occupying the central position of the park, Palacio de Velazquez is today used as a museum of Spain’s overseas territories.
Duration: 55 minutes