Museo ABC Exhibition Showcases Century of Press Illustration Portraits from ABC Collection

The Museo ABC in Madrid is presenting the exhibition 'MÍRAME. Retratos y retratistas en la Colección ABC,' featuring over two hundred works by 103 creators from the ABC Collection, one of Europe's largest archives of press drawings and illustrations. The display examines portrait illustration in journalism across more than a century, revealing diverse perspectives, artistic approaches, and editorial purposes. Organized into four thematic sections, the show explores how portrait imagery functioned within publishing contexts. For decades, magazine and newspaper covers served as primary showcases for portrait illustrations, often featuring appealing, elegant faces that engaged readers from newsstands. These frequently depicted women reflecting various social archetypes—from high-society figures to relatable popular personas—with fewer representations of men and children. The exhibition also highlights how press illustrations documented cultural diversity, regional costumes, and lifestyles, sometimes idealizing rural or exotic subjects. Following the Industrial Revolution, illustrations captured modern urban life and new social spaces like cafes, theaters, and sports venues, portraying individuals within their cultural environments. Additionally, the exhibition includes portraits of real public figures through caricature or realistic depiction, many of which became iconic representations. The works originate from the archives of Blanco y Negro magazine and ABC newspaper, preserved over time to form a collection of 150,000 pieces by 1,500 artists. This initiative is part of a collaboration between Fundación Colección ABC and Madrid's municipal government, supported by the Area de Cultura, Turismo y Deporte. The exhibition runs through July 2026 at Museo ABC in Madrid.