Spanish Art Masters Final Exam

El Greco: The Disrobing of Christ (1577-79)

• Style: Mannerism

• Key Features:

  • El Greco’s elongated, expressive figures.

  • Dramatic use of light and color to emphasize spiritual themes.

  • Depicts Christ being disrobed before the crucifixion, with figures surrounding Him in an emotional moment of reverence.

Memorable Fact: The swirling figures and intense use of color are hallmarks of El Greco's style.

El Greco: The Burial of the Count of Orgaz (1586-88)

• Style: Mannerism
  
  

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A blend of realism and religious symbolism.
    
    

  • The burial scene of Count Orgaz, who was a local nobleman, depicted with angels and saints in the upper section of the canvas.
    
    

  • The earthly and divine are merged in the composition, with a contrast of realism in the lower part and a more ethereal, spiritual atmosphere in the top.
    
    

Memorable Fact: El Greco’s ability to combine religious themes with the portrayal of real people was groundbreaking for the time.

El Greco: Annunciation (1596-1600)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear the Son of God.
    
    

  • El Greco’s signature elongated figures and dramatic use of color and light.
    
    

  • The composition creates an ethereal, otherworldly quality.
    
    

Memorable Fact: El Greco’s unusual, vibrant color palette makes this an example of his unique take on religious art.


Inspired by the work of Titian

El Greco: Crucifixion (1596-1600)

• The depiction of Christ on the cross is elongated and expressive.
  
  

• Surreal, vibrant colors and swirling forms contribute to the emotional intensity.
  
  

• The figure of Christ is central, surrounded by saints and angels.
  
  

Memorable Fact: El Greco’s religious themes often push the boundaries of form and color, creating emotional and spiritual intensity.

José de Ribera: St Andrew (1630-32)

• Style: Baroque
  
  

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts St. Andrew in a dramatic pose, emphasizing his suffering and martyrdom.
    
    

  • Dark, moody color palette typical of Ribera’s "tenebrism" technique, with sharp contrasts of light and shadow.
    
    

  • Realistic, highly detailed portrayal of the saint’s body and expression.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: Ribera is known for his intense realism and emotional depth in religious subjects.

José de Ribera: Clubfooted Boy (1642)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A realistic portrayal of a young boy with a deformity (clubfoot).
    
    

  • Strong contrasts of light and shadow.
    
    

  • Emotional intensity and the emphasis on the human condition.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: Ribera’s paintings often focus on human suffering and the body in a very realistic way.

José de Ribera: Magdalena Ventura with Her Husband and Son (1631)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A powerful depiction of Magdalena Ventura, a woman who grew a beard due to a medical condition.
    
    

  • Focus on realism and emotional expression.
    
    

  • Use of light and shadow to enhance the dramatic effect.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: Ribera’s ability to paint unusual or “unnatural” subjects in a realistic manner was groundbreaking.
  
  

Francisco de Zurbarán: The Apostle Saint Peter appearing to Saint Peter Nolasco (1629)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • The supernatural vision of Saint Peter appearing to Saint Peter Nolasco.
    
    

  • Realistic, serene, and almost mystical portrayal of the figures.
    
    

  • Deep contrasts of light and dark typical of Baroque art.
    
    

Memorable Fact: Zurbarán’s works are often meditative and calm, with a focus on spiritual depth.

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo: Boys Eating Grapes and Melon (1645-46)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts two young boys eating fruit, an example of Murillo's skill in portraying everyday life.
    
    

  • Soft, gentle use of light and color.
    
    

  • The painting gives a sense of innocence and joy.
    
    

Memorable Fact: Murillo is known for his depictions of children and domestic scenes with a tender, light touch.

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo: Infant Christ Offering a Drink of Water to St John (1675-1680)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A tender depiction of the infant Christ offering water to Saint John the Baptist.
    
    

  • Soft, glowing light and a gentle color palette.
    
    

  • The emotion of innocence and holiness is emphasized through the serene expressions.
    
    

Memorable Fact: Murillo often painted religious themes with a focus on the warmth and tenderness of the figures.

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo: Immaculate Conception (c. 1667-70)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts the Virgin Mary in a heavenly scene, symbolizing purity and divine grace.
    
    

  • Murillo’s soft, glowing light gives the painting a heavenly, idealized quality.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: This is one of Murillo's most famous works, exemplifying his skill in portraying sacred subjects with tenderness and beauty.
  
  

Diego Velázquez: Old Woman Frying Eggs (1618)

• Style: Baroque, Realism
  
  

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A still-life subject: an old woman frying eggs, depicted with remarkable realism.
    
    

  • Velázquez’s skill in capturing everyday life with incredible detail and light.
    
    

Memorable Fact: Velázquez’s approach to everyday subjects elevated the mundane to high art.

Diego Velázquez: The Triumph of Bacchus (Los Borrachos) (c. 1623)

• Style: Baroque, Realism
  
  

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts the god Bacchus and his followers, celebrating in a wild, drunken revel.
    
    

  • The focus on light and shadow gives the figures a sense of realism and immediacy.
    
    

Memorable Fact: Velázquez’s ability to blend mythology with realism is evident in this painting.

Diego Velázquez: The Count-Duke of Olivares on Horseback (1634)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A portrait of the Count-Duke of Olivares, a powerful political figure in the Spanish court.
    
    

  • Velázquez’s use of light and detailed rendering of the horse and figure.
    
    

Memorable Fact: This portrait captures the dignity and power of Olivares through masterful brushwork.

Diego Velázquez: The Surrender of Breda (Las lanzas) (1634-35)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts the surrender of the Dutch city of Breda to the Spanish forces.
    
    

  • Velázquez portrays the scene with a sense of dignity and respect for both sides, avoiding glorifying one over the other.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: The painting is famous for its detailed depiction of the military scene, showcasing Velázquez’s mastery in both history and portraiture.
  
  

Diego Velázquez: The Dwarf Francisco Lezcano, Called "El Niño de Vallecas" (1643-45)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Portrait of Francisco Lezcano, a court dwarf, with a dignified and respectful portrayal.

  • Velázquez’s realism and sensitivity to his subjects stand out in this portrayal of a person often marginalized in society.
    

Memorable Fact: This work is significant for its respectful portrayal of a dwarf, showing Velázquez’s deep empathy for his subjects.

Diego Velázquez: Las Meninas (1656-57)

Talked about this one a lot

Key Features:

• Depicts the royal family of Spain with Princess Margaret Theresa at the center.

• Velázquez includes himself in the painting, positioning himself as both an observer and participant in the scene.

• Complex use of perspective and reflection (the mirror shows the king and queen).
  
  

Memorable Fact: It's often seen as a commentary on the role of the artist and the nature of art itself.

Diego Velázquez: The Fable of Arachne (Las Hilanderas) (c. 1657)

• Key Features:

  • Depicts the myth of Arachne, a weaver transformed into a spider by the goddess Athena.

  • Velázquez’s use of intricate detail and textures is notable, especially in the depiction of the weaving process.

Memorable Fact: This work blends mythological storytelling with Velázquez’s exceptional skill in realism.

Francisco de Goya: La maja desnuda (The Nude Maja) (1798-1805)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A controversial painting depicting a woman in the nude, regarded for its boldness at the time.
    
    

  • A sensual yet detached portrayal of the female form, with no clear narrative.
    
    

Memorable Fact: This painting was highly controversial and remains one of Goya’s most famous works.

Francisco de Goya: La maja vestida (The Clothed Maja) (1798-1805)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • The clothed version of the same woman from The Nude Maja.
    
    

  • It is said to be a companion piece, meant to balance the sensuality of the nude with the formality of a dressed figure.
    
    

Memorable Fact: Goya’s fascination with the female figure and societal mores is evident in both works.

Francisco de Goya: La familia de Carlos IV (Charles IV and his Family) (1800-01)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A royal portrait of the Spanish royal family, often interpreted as a critique of the monarchy’s pomp and arrogance.
    
    

  • Goya’s skill in capturing the personalities and flaws of his subjects is central to this work.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: Goya’s honest portrayal of the royal family contrasts with the idealized royal portraits of the time.
  
  

Francisco de Goya: El Dos de Mayo de 1808 (The Second of May 1808) (1814)

Focus on this one since we talked about it a lot in class

Key Features:

• Depicts the brutal repression of Spanish civilians during the French occupation of Spain.
  
  

• Strong emotional intensity and focus on the chaos of the event.
  
  

Memorable Fact: It’s a dramatic, political painting meant to evoke sympathy for the Spanish resistance.

Francisco de Goya: El Tres de Mayo de 1808 (The Third of May 1808) (1814)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A stark portrayal of the execution of Spanish civilians by French soldiers.
    
    

  • Use of light and shadow highlights the innocence and helplessness of the victims.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: Goya’s stark realism in this piece makes it a profound anti-war statement.
  
  

Francisco de Goya: Aquelarre o El Gran Cabrón (Witches' Sabbath or The Great He-Goat) (1820-23)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts a scene of witches in a nightmarish gathering around a demonic figure, often interpreted as the "Great He-Goat" or Satan.
    
    

  • Goya uses dark, ominous colors and unsettling imagery to create a sense of dread and chaos.
    
    

  • The subject matter likely references the superstition and fear surrounding witchcraft during Goya’s time.
    
    

Memorable Fact: It is part of Goya’s "Black Paintings" series, which reflects his personal disillusionment and the darkness of his later years.

Francisco de Goya: Saturno devorando a sus hijos (Saturn Devouring His Son) (1819-23)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts the Roman god Saturn eating one of his own children, a horrifying scene inspired by myth.
    
    

  • The painting features raw emotion, with Saturn portrayed as a monstrous figure consumed by madness and hunger.
    
    

  • Goya’s use of dark, muted colors and disturbing imagery makes this one of his most disturbing works.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: This piece is another from Goya’s "Black Paintings," showcasing his deep despair and critique of human nature.
  
  

Joaquín Sorolla: Triste herencia (Sad Inheritance) (1896)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts a scene at the beach where disabled children are being cared for by a caretaker, symbolizing both innocence and sadness.
    
    

  • Sorolla’s use of light and color captures the melancholy tone of the scene while highlighting the beauty of the coastal setting.
    
    

  • The painting emphasizes social issues, reflecting the plight of marginalized individuals.
    
    

Memorable Fact: This work is known for Sorolla’s compassionate depiction of social themes, as well as his mastery of light and water.

Joaquín Sorolla: Paseo por la playa (Walk on the Beach) (1909)

• Style: Impressionism

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts a joyful scene of people walking along the beach, capturing the lively atmosphere and sunlight.
    
    

  • Sorolla’s famous technique of using bright, vivid colors is apparent here, with natural light reflecting on the figures and water.
    
    

  • The figures are depicted in motion, emphasizing Sorolla’s skill in portraying the human form in a fluid and natural way.
    
    

Memorable Fact: The painting showcases Sorolla’s love of nature and his ability to capture light and movement.

Joaquín Sorolla: Niños en la playa (Boys on the Beach) (1910)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Sorolla’s portrayal of children playing on the beach is full of light, color, and movement.
    
    

  • The focus is on the carefree nature of childhood, with vibrant blues and greens reflecting the coastal environment.
    
    

  • The depiction of the children’s figures is relaxed and joyful, showcasing Sorolla’s ability to capture moments of innocence.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: One of Sorolla’s most famous beach scenes, celebrated for its joyful energy and beautiful use of sunlight.
  
  

Pablo Picasso: Family of Saltimbanques (1905)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts a group of circus performers (saltimbanques) in a melancholic, isolated setting.
    
    

  • The use of warm, earthy tones and the somewhat somber expressions of the figures reflect the emotional vulnerability of the performers.
    
    

  • The painting shows Picasso’s transition from his Blue Period into his Rose Period, focusing on themes of loneliness and hardship.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: This work is considered an introspective exploration of the human condition during Picasso’s emotional transition.
  
  

. Pablo Picasso: Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts five nude women in a brothel, with fragmented and angular forms that challenge traditional notions of the human figure.
    
    

  • The painting is known for its break with perspective, using geometric shapes and sharp angles to distort the human body.
    
    

  • It marks the birth of Cubism, a revolutionary style that Picasso co-developed with Georges Braque.
    
    

Memorable Fact: Considered one of Picasso’s most important works, it shattered artistic conventions and paved the way for the development of Cubism.

Pablo Picasso: Still-Life with Chair Caning (1912)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A mixed-media work that incorporates elements of collage, blending painted forms with actual materials like chair caning.
    
    

  • The composition plays with the perception of space and objects, breaking them down into simplified shapes and textures.
    
    

  • It challenges the viewer’s understanding of reality by juxtaposing familiar and abstract elements.
    
    

Memorable Fact: One of the earliest examples of collage in modern art, symbolizing Picasso’s experimentation with Cubism.

Pablo Picasso: Glass and Bottle of Suze (1912)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A still life of a glass and bottle of Suze, a French aperitif, depicted through fragmented, geometric forms.
    
    

  • The piece emphasizes Picasso’s ongoing exploration of Cubism and the deconstruction of everyday objects.
    
    

  • The focus on texture and form creates a new way of seeing ordinary items.
    
    

Memorable Fact: This painting exemplifies Picasso’s innovation in Cubism, turning a simple subject into a complex visual puzzle.

Pablo Picasso: Guernica (1937)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A powerful anti-war mural depicting the bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
    
    

  • The chaotic, distorted forms of humans and animals represent the horror and suffering caused by the bombing.
    
    

  • Picasso uses a monochromatic palette of blacks, whites, and grays to evoke a somber and grim tone.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: Guernica is one of the most iconic anti-war artworks in history, symbolizing the brutality of war and the impact on civilians.

Juan Gris: Still Life with Checkered Tablecloth (1915)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A still life composed of fragmented, angular objects arranged in a complex, layered composition.
    
    

  • Gris employs the techniques of Cubism to break down the objects into geometric shapes and rearrange them in abstract forms.
    
    

  • The checkered tablecloth introduces a pattern that contrasts with the more angular, disjointed elements.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: Gris was a leading figure in Synthetic Cubism, which used more recognizable shapes and forms compared to earlier, more abstract Cubism.

Joan Miró: Catalan Landscape (The Hunter) (1923-24)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A surreal landscape with abstract, organic shapes and symbols representing the Catalan countryside.
    
    

  • The painting evokes the primal energy of nature through simple, bold colors and forms.
    
    

  • Miró’s use of minimalistic yet dynamic shapes conveys a sense of motion and life.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: The use of symbolic shapes represents Miró’s unique vision of nature and the unconscious mind.

Joan Miró: Figures and Dog in front of the Sun (1949)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Features simplified, playful forms of figures and a dog against a bright sun.
    
    

  • Miró’s signature style includes bold, vibrant colors and the use of surrealistic, dreamlike imagery.
    
    

  • The piece suggests a connection to the subconscious and the human relationship with the universe.
    
    

Memorable Fact: This work demonstrates Miró’s evolving style, moving deeper into abstract forms with personal symbolism.

Salvador Dalí: The Great Masturbator (1929)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • A highly symbolic and bizarre self-portrait that combines elements of sexuality, paranoia, and the unconscious mind.
    
    

  • Dalí’s signature melting forms and distorted imagery reflect the irrational nature of human desire.
    
    

  • The painting features a distorted face and a phallic figure, representing both eroticism and fear.
    
    

• Memorable Fact: Dalí’s exploration of the subconscious mind and the erotic, as well as his technical mastery, make this one of his iconic works.
  
  

Salvador Dalí: The Persistence of Memory (1931)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Famous for its melting clocks draped over objects in a desolate landscape, representing the fluidity and distortion of time.
    
    

  • The scene conveys a sense of dreamlike unreality, where time seems to collapse and lose its meaning.
    
    

  • Dalí uses highly realistic techniques to depict the bizarre, further emphasizing the surreal nature of the work.
    
    

Memorable Fact: This painting is one of Dalí’s most iconic, symbolizing the relativity of time and reality.

Salvador Dalí: Atavistic Ruins after the Rain (1934)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • The painting features decayed, almost prehistoric ruins, suggesting a connection to ancient history and the passage of time.
    
    

  • Dalí’s exploration of landscape and architecture in a dreamlike, distorted manner reflects his fascination with decay and memory.
    
    

Memorable Fact: This painting combines Dalí’s love for surreal landscapes with his deep thoughts on time and history.

Salvador Dalí: Soft Construction with Boiled Beans (Premonition of Civil War) (1936)

• Key Features:
  
  

  • Depicts a grotesque, disintegrating human figure in an agonizing pose, representing the chaos and violence of the Spanish Civil War.
    
    

  • The image of soft, melting flesh contrasts with the harsh, chaotic background, symbolizing the horror of conflict.
    
    

  • Dalí uses his signature distorted forms to evoke a sense of terror and disarray.
    
    

Memorable Fact: A politically charged work, it reflects Dalí’s reaction to the Spanish Civil War and the impending destruction it foretells.