Madrid’s Museo del Prado continues to expand its holdings, recently adding works by Puerto Rican artist Francisco Manuel Oller Cestero and Spanish painter Luis Paret y Alcázar. These acquisitions, announced in recent weeks, represent a diversification of the museum’s collection and offer fresh perspectives on 19th-century art and its transatlantic connections.
The most significant addition is “Feria francesa” (circa 1876) by Oller, a pivotal work as it marks the first painting by a Puerto Rican artist to enter the Prado’s collection. Oller, a contemporary of Impressionists like Camille Pissarro and Paul Cézanne, blended European techniques with Caribbean sensibilities, making this acquisition particularly noteworthy for understanding artistic dialogues across the Atlantic. The painting, purchased at auction with the museum’s own funds, is now on display in Room 62B of the Villanueva Building after undergoing restoration.
“Feria francesa” vividly depicts a bustling circus scene, complete with a carousel, show announcements, vendors, and visitors, all rendered with a dynamic sense of depth. Oller’s style, characterized by a nimble brushstroke and a palette of grays, ochres, and subtle tones, captures the humid and ever-changing atmosphere of Paris during that era. The buildings, quickly sketched, frame the figures, who are meticulously detailed in their gestures, clothing, and interactions. The Prado’s acquisition highlights the museum’s commitment to showcasing artists who contributed to the evolution of modern art from diverse backgrounds, as reported by Infobae.
A New Paret and a Legacy Unveiled
Alongside Oller’s work, the Prado has also added “María y Luisa, the painter’s daughters” (1783) by Luis Paret y Alcázar. This painting, part of the legacy of art historian Juan José Luna, is displayed in Room 20 alongside a portrait of María de las Nieves Micaela Fourdinier, Paret’s wife. Originally, the two portraits were created on a single copper plate before being divided, as detailed by El Debate.
Paret’s work, executed in oil on copper – a technique allowing for precise and brilliant finishes – depicts his daughters, María and Luisa, aged three and two respectively, as nymphs in a natural landscape. María holds a tambourine and embraces her sister, while Luisa plays with a little dog and a bolster. The scene, imbued with a pastoral air, echoes the educational ideas of Rousseau, influential during the Enlightenment period. A fragment of a column in the upper left corner features a protective mascaron, referencing deities associated with childhood and fertility, and inscriptions in Latin and Greek demonstrate Paret’s interest in classical antiquity – a relatively uncommon trait among his Spanish contemporaries.
Continued Presence of Muñoz’s Sculpture
In addition to these new acquisitions, the Prado has announced an extension of the installation of Juan Muñoz’s sculpture, “Thirteen Laughing at Each Other.” Originally installed for the “Stories of Art” exhibition, the sculpture will remain in place at the pedestrian access to the Puerta de Jerónimos for another two years, thanks to the generosity of the institution managing the artist’s work and rights, and with renewed permissions from the Madrid City Council.
These recent additions demonstrate the Prado’s ongoing commitment to expanding its collection and offering visitors a more comprehensive understanding of art history. The inclusion of Oller’s work, in particular, marks a significant step towards recognizing the contributions of Latin American artists to the broader narrative of modern art. The museum’s continued efforts to diversify its holdings promise to enrich the cultural landscape and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of artistic exchange.
The Prado’s evolving collection will undoubtedly continue to spark dialogue and inspire new scholarship. As the museum integrates these new works into its permanent displays, visitors can anticipate a more nuanced and inclusive exploration of art history. Share your thoughts on these exciting additions in the comments below.
