DIVINE ESSENCE: MURILLO'S 'VIRGIN OF THE NAPKIN

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's "The Virgin of the Napkin" is a captivating masterpiece that captures the divine essence of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus. The painting was made in 1666 for the Capuchin Church in Seville. It measures 67 by 72 centimetres and remains one of the most popular depictions of the Virgin Mary. I took my time, sat down on a bench and admired this iconic work of art in the Fine Arts Museum in Seville.

THE MANNERIST MAJESTY OF THE IMPERIAL STAIRCASE OF LA MERCED

During my recent trip to Seville, I came across the old convent of La Merced, in the heart of the city, which now houses the Seville Fine Arts Museum. This historical gem occupies a significant block in the heart of Seville and I could not help but be enchanted by it.

THE YOUTHFUL ST. JOSEPH AND THE ARTISTIC LEGACY OF BARTOLOMÉ ESTEBAN MURILLO

I was very excited to see this beautifully restored (1665-1666) painting of St Joseph with his son. I had read a lot about it and that it was destined for the main altarpiece of the Capuchin monastery church in Seville.

FROM CANINE COMPANION TO CANVAS HISTORY

 

I first came across this painting while researching for my book "Spanish Dogs: The Story of Dogs in Spanish History, Culture & the Arts". It immediately caught my attention because unlike many other dogs depicted in Spanish art, this one was clearly a beloved pet. It was great to find it in the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville.

EMBRACING FREEDOM: 'MALVALOCA' BY JOSÉ GARCÍA RAMOS

José García Ramos, a Romantic painter from the era I admire so much, was a true jewel of Seville who was born in 1852 and tragically died in 1912. I had the great pleasure of seeing his masterpiece "Malvaloca" in the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville. Just looking at this precious work of art left me in awe. This 1912 painting was José García Ramos' last masterpiece and a poignant tribute to a woman known as Rosita, but affectionately called Malvaloca, who was the main character in a play by the Álvarez Quintero brothers.

THE UNVEILING OF 'THE DEATH OF THE MASTER': A PERSONAL ARTISTIC ODYSSEY

The breathtaking work of art entitled "The Death of the Master" by the artist José Villegas Cordero (Seville, 1844 - Madrid, 1921) absolutely captivated me. This oil painting on canvas dominates an exhibition hall in the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville and measures 330 x 505 cm. It was created around 1884. This monumental masterpiece is the culmination of a series of paintings dedicated to a typically Spanish theme – bullfighting. What makes it truly unique within its romantic genre is its grand conception as a historical painting.

ENCHANTING TALES OF THE GIRALDA

Standing at the foot of the Giralda, I couldn't help but be impressed by the tower's history. I read a fascinating story about its architect, Ahmad ibn Baso, who made a remarkable promise. He challenged anyone to find a way to the top without using the stairs, offering a bag of gold as a reward. Many tried, but the Giralda's construction with its winding ramps proved unbeatable. This story brought the incredible engineering of the tower to life and I admired the ingenuity of the architect.

ROMANTIC PAINTING BEAUTIFULLY CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF CÓRDOBA'S HISTORIC CENTRE

During my visit to the Fine Arts museum of Córdoba, I was captivated by an 1884 painting titled "Sunday in Córdoba on the banks of the Guadalquivir." This delightful artwork, a creation of the talented artist Rafael Romero Barros, instantly drew me in. Romero Barros, born in Moguer, Huelva in 1832 and later residing in Córdoba until 1895, was known for his romantic-style easel oil paintings. This particular piece measures a modest 38 x 55.5 cm, typical of the kind of work produced by artists of that era.

EXPLORING CÓRDOBA'S ENCHANTING JUDERÍA

My journey to Córdoba was enhanced by the enchanting experience of exploring the city's renowned historic Jewish Quarter, known as the Judería. As I ventured into the heart of Córdoba, I found myself transported to a time when this neighbourhood was totally enclosed by formidable medieval walls, creating a distinct and culturally significant area within the city.

CORDOBA'S MIHRAB: THE SACRED SPACE UNVEILED

As I stood in the enchanting Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, my eyes were drawn to the mesmerizing Mihrab. It was no ordinary niche; instead, it unfolded as a sacred space, a small octagonal chamber enveloped by a delicate scallop shell dome. The Mihrab seemed to project itself into the depths of history, taking me on a journey through time.