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- Musée des Arts et Métiers, Paris
14 Oct - 17 May 2026
From€12.00
Recommended
From
€19.00
The exhibition Baroque Splendors: From El Greco to Velázquez at the Musée Jacquemart-André offers a rare and immersive journey into the heart of the Spanish Golden Age, a period of unparalleled artistic vitality fueled by the wealth of a global empire and the spiritual fervor of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. In a landmark collaboration with the Hispanic Society of America, this showcase brings together approximately forty masterpieces that have rarely been seen in Europe. The curatorial narrative explores the Hispanic Baroque not merely as a European movement, but as a dynamic cultural exchange influenced by Italian and Flemish traditions and enriched by the artistic innovations of the Spanish Viceroyalties in Latin America.
At the center of this dialogue are the titans of 17th-century painting, whose works define the era's dramatic intensity. The visionary El Greco is represented by masterpieces such as the Pietà and Saint Luke, characterized by his signature expressive distortion and spiritual luminosity. In stark contrast, the sober and powerful realism of Francisco de Zurbarán highlights the profound devotion of the age. However, the exhibition’s emotional anchor is undoubtedly Diego Velázquez, the "painter's painter," whose Portrait of a Little Girl demonstrates his revolutionary ability to capture a striking human presence through fluid brushwork and psychological depth.
Expanding the horizon beyond the Iberian Peninsula, the exhibition significantly highlights the Hispanic world beyond Europe. Visitors can admire the unique fusion of European techniques and local traditions in the works of Latin American masters like the Mexican painter Nicolás de Correa, whose enconchado panel The Wedding at Cana utilizes mother-of-pearl inlay to create a radiant, jewel-like surface. This inclusion underscores the global reach of the Baroque aesthetic, showing how artists in the Americas reinterpreted sacred themes with a distinct, exuberant energy that remains largely underrepresented in French museum collections.
The experience is profoundly heightened by the refined, intimate setting of the Musée Jacquemart-André, where the theatrical and spiritual qualities of the Baroque find a perfect architectural echo. From the dramatic chiaroscuro of religious scenes to the majestic poise of aristocratic portraiture, the artworks evoke a sense of opulence and religious devotion. This exhibition serves as both a historical record of Spain's cultural hegemony and a moving testament to the enduring power of art to bridge continents and centuries, leaving the spectator with a deep appreciation for the complexity and splendor of the Hispanic soul.
Highlights
- Marvel at approximately 40 exceptional masterpieces from the Hispanic Society of America collection, many of which are being shown in France for the first time.
- Experience the spiritual intensity and dramatic lighting of El Greco, a visionary master who bridged Byzantine traditions with Italian Mannerism.
- Witness the technical brilliance and profound realism of Diego Velázquez, the legendary court painter to Philip IV known for his psychological insight.
- Discover the powerful and theatrical religious works of Francisco de Zurbarán, a key figure of the Spanish Golden Age.
- Explore the sophisticated curation of Guillaume Kientz and Pierre Curie within the elegant setting of the Musée Jacquemart-André.
- Immerse yourself in a landmark exhibition that traces the cultural vitality and imperial splendor of 17th-century Hispanic Baroque art.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baroque Splendors: From El Greco to Velázquez
Yes, the ticket provides access to both the temporary 'Baroque Splendors' exhibition and the permanent collections of the Musée Jacquemart-André.
A visit to the exhibition typically lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, though you may wish to stay longer to explore the rest of the mansion.
Photography for personal use is permitted without the use of flash, tripods, or selfie sticks to ensure the protection of the artworks and the comfort of other visitors.
Yes, audio guides are available at the entrance to provide deeper insight into the masterpieces by El Greco, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters.
Yes, the Musée Jacquemart-André is equipped with elevators and ramps, making the exhibition fully accessible to individuals using wheelchairs.
There are no age restrictions, and children are welcome; the museum often provides specific educational materials to help younger visitors engage with the art.
While not strictly mandatory, booking a time slot online is highly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid long wait times during peak hours.
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