10 famous paintings in Madrid
Here is a more detailed description of each of the 10 famous paintings you can find in Madrid’s museums.
Where to stay in the Museums area
We have apartments in the city center and in the Salamanca neighborhood. In case you are a property owner and we can help you to exploit it as we are short of accommodations in the Museums Area.
The main paintings you have to see
“Las Meninas” by Diego Velázquez at the Prado Museum
This painting is considered one of the masterpieces of Spanish and world painting. It was painted in 1656 and depicts Infanta Margarita, daughter of King Philip IV and Mariana of Austria, surrounded by her court. The painting is known for its complex composition and masterful use of light and shadow.
“Guernica” by Pablo Picasso. Reina Sofia Museum
“Guernica” is a masterpiece of contemporary art that represents the bombing of the Basque city of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. It is a striking and emotive painting that reflects the pain and suffering of humanity during war.
“The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch. Prado Museum
This work is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating in European art. Painted in oil on wood panel, it depicts a garden full of strange figures and fantastical beings that symbolize human sins and temptations.
“The Nude Maja” by Francisco de Goya. Prado Museum
Finding a female nude of great beauty and sensuality painted by Goya between 1797 and 1800 is totally possible. The model who posed for the work is unknown, but it is believed to be the Duchess of Alba.
In Prado Museum “The Surrender of Breda” by Diego Velázquez
The surrender of the city of Breda to Spanish troops during the Eighty Years’ War was depicted in this painting. It is one of Velázquez’s most famous works and stands out for its realism and ability to represent human emotions.
“The Annunciation” by Fra Angelico – Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
This painting represents the moment when the angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus. It is a work full of symbolism and spirituality, highlighting the use of color and light.
“The Immaculate Conception” by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo – Prado Museum
Here we have a master piece that represents the Virgin Mary in her Immaculate Conception. Murillo used a Baroque style to create an image of great beauty and spirituality.
“The Crucifixion” by Diego Velázquez – Prado Museum
This painting represents the moment when Jesus is crucified on Calvary. Velázquez used a realistic technique to create an image with great drama and emotion.
“The Cardinal” by Raphael
This portrait represents the Spanish cardinal Francisco de Borja. Raphael used a realistic technique to create an image full of details and textures that you can find in the Prado Museu.
You may also be interested in knowing the 10 most relevant Spanish painters in Madrid.
