Comments on: Sorolla at the Prado

By: Mike Burke

Mike Burke — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:50:47 +0000

I consider myself fortunate to have seen the Sorolla exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum back in 1989.

For anyone interested in Sorolla’s work, the catalog of that exhibition, by Edmund Peel, is well worth the effort of tracking down on the secondary market.

By: Charley Parker

Charley Parker — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:15:29 +0000

Thanks, Alvin. Sounds like the Sorolla Museum is a sharp contrast to many of the museums established in artist's houses that actually have little of the work. Also sounds like reason in and of itself to visit Madrid! Other readers can see more of Alvin Richard's trip to spain, as well as his own crisply detailed acrylic paintings on his blog, ACRYLIC and LIGHT.

By: Alvin Richard

Alvin Richard — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:23:12 +0000

Another great posting. I’ve had the opportunity to see the Joaquin Sorolla retrospective at Museo del Prado on June 28. Absolutely phenominal to see it in person, and I was moved to tears by several pieces. The place was just jammed pack with people, it would have been great to see it in a more relaxed setting. The previous day, I had the opportunity of visiting the Museo Sorolla, also located at Pso. General Martinez Campos, 37 in Madrid. This turned out to be the highlight of my visit to Madrid for me. The museum is actually his former house and three interconnected art studios, built in 1911. It opened as a museum after his death in 1932. From the moment you step into the garden leading to the main entrance, you are entering into his world. The main studio space had a vaulted ceiling, paintings were hung ”Salon Style”, and on display was his brushes, paint box, easel, his personnal collection of pottery and sculptures, and an at least 80 of his original works, although some were on loan for his retropective. During my visit, only a hand-full of people were there, so I really took the time to absorb the beauty and the creative energy that filled the space. A must-see for any art lover.

By: Charley Parker

Charley Parker — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:57:53 +0000

Thanks, Tim. I haven’t been there yet, but two Sorolla’s and two Valezquez portraits alone make it worth the trip! There is also at least one Sorolla in the Met. I don’t know if it’s on display.

By: tim b

tim b — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:08:55 +0000

I’d never heard of Sorolla until I was visiting the Hispanic Museum in upper Manhattan (one of those institutions that would be a major collection in another city but which kind of get lost in the NYC museum flurry). They’ve got two amazing Sorollas that stopped me dead in my tracks. I was just like…”Who is this guy?”

Always great to ‘discover’ a new piece of the art history puzzle on your own and without any preparation or introduction.

Anyone visiting NYC should make the pilgrimage up to the Hispanic Museum (155th and Broadway). Off the beaten path but worth the effort. Free admission! They’ve also got a couple of Velasquez portraits and loads of Spanish colonial period work.

By: Charley Parker

Charley Parker — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:36:36 +0000

Thanks, Daniel. I may take you up on that.

By: Ramon

Ramon — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:41:09 +0000

Thanks for the heads up Charley, Sorolla was an amazing painter and it’s great to see him gaining greater recognition in our day.

The Getty is one of those places you love to hate though…I love their Alma Tadema on display, but hate the fact that they have their beautiful Sorollas locked up somewhere.