Prado Museum Unveils Major Rehang of 19th-Century Collection

The Museo del Prado in Madrid has completed a major reinstallation of its 19th-century collection, featuring 275 works across 15 rooms (61-75). The new display, curated by David García Cueto, emphasizes a more international and European perspective on Spanish art. Highlights include 37 paintings by female artists, previously unseen works from storage, and new acquisitions. Italian sculpture is prominently featured, with pieces by Vincenzo Gemito, Adamo Tadolini, and Camillo Torreggiani. A gallery of 54 portraits and self-portraits (room 62A) honors Spanish artists of the era. The rehang also includes a Picasso bust from 1943, on loan from the Aramont Art Collection via the American Friends of the Museo del Prado, displayed alongside Velázquez's 'Buffoon Calabacillas'. Picasso was named director of the Prado in 1936 but never served. Additionally, rooms 19-23 on the first floor have been reorganized to showcase 18th-century Italian and French art, reflecting the Bourbon dynasty's influence, with works by Luca Giordano, Corrado Giaquinto, Antonio Joli, Tiepolo, and Rafael Mengs, as well as decorative arts like gilded bronze consoles attributed to Giovan Battista Ferroni and wax busts by Filippo Scandellari.