Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

PAST EXHIBITION

El Greco to Velazquez: Art during the Reign of Philip III

April 20, 2008—July 27, 2008

This groundbreaking exhibition examines a fascinating period (1598–1621) bookended by the two giants of Spanish painting: the late works of El Greco and the early paintings of Velázquez.

To separate themselves from Philip II’s approach to governing, Philip III and his court “issued in a new style of grandeur” (in the words of their contemporary Gil González d’Avila), where gala celebrations, elaborate religious fiestas, building campaigns, picture collecting, recreation, and above all, travel, were the order of the day. The art produced at and for the court reflected this style, replacing the austere, relatively uninspired art created under Philip II with the more naturalistic and emotionally expressive art that became the hallmark of Philip III’s reign.

“El Greco to Velázquez: Art during the Reign of Philip III” features paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts—including a partial recreation of the camarín of the Duke of Lerma, possibly the most important non-royal collector in Europe at the time and the favorite of Philip III—organized around themes such as portraiture, religion and the court, and still life and the birth of naturalism.

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