Museo del Prado Reclaims Ricardo de Madrazo with First Solo Show of Drawings and Watercolors
From October 13, 2026, to January 17, 2027, the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid will host "Ricardo de Madrazo (1852-1917): dibujos y acuarelas," marking the artist's first solo exhibition. Curated by Pedro José Martínez Plaza, this display showcases nearly fifty years of Madrazo's work, featuring drawing notebooks, watercolors, and independent pieces, many of which are being exhibited for the first time. In 2012, the Prado acquired part of this collection, which includes twenty-nine sketchbooks, making it the second-largest after Martín Rico. The exhibition also highlights Madrazo's earliest self-portrait from 1880 and delves into his artistic training under Fortuny and his travels in Spain, Italy, and Morocco.
Key facts
- Exhibition title: "Ricardo de Madrazo (1852-1917): dibujos y acuarelas" at Museo Nacional del Prado, Room 60.
- Dates: October 13, 2026 – January 17, 2027.
- Curated by Pedro José Martínez Plaza; part of the Almacén abierto program active since 2009.
- First solo exhibition at the Prado for Ricardo de Madrazo, aiming to revive his reputation overshadowed by his family.
- Features drawing notebooks, watercolors, independent drawings, a self-portrait, and personal documents, most shown for the first time.
- Prado acquired part of the material in 2012; the 29 sketchbooks are the museum's second-largest after Martín Rico's 40.
- Oldest self-portrait dates to 1880.
- Works reflect training with Mariano Fortuny and travels in Spain, Italy, and Morocco; include copies after El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and Tiepolo.
Entities
Artists
- Ricardo de Madrazo
- Federico de Madrazo
- Raimundo de Madrazo
- Mariano Fortuny
- Pedro José Martínez Plaza
- Archer Milton Huntington
- Lázaro Galdiano
- Durand-Ruel
- William Howard Taft
- Pablo Bosch
- Domínguez Bécquer
- Aureliano de Beruete
- Miguel Blay
- Pérez Villaamil
- Pradilla
- Rosales
- El Greco
- Velázquez
- Goya
- Tiépolo
- Meissonier
- Martín Rico
- María Cristina
Institutions
- Museo Nacional del Prado
- Real Patronato del Museo del Prado
- masdearte.com
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Granada
- Portici
- Italy
- Morocco
- Fez
- Tangier
- Toledo
- Venice
- Córdoba
- Rome