Seville Golden Age of Spanish Painting at the Museum of Fine Arts

By  Scott M. Haskins, Fine Art Conservator

I invite you to come along with me on a recent trip to Seville, Spain. On this trip I was hoping to see and expecting to see the exquisite paintings of the Spanish Golden Age of Painting (1500’s and 1600’s and even the 1700’s)… rooted in Sevilla. Infact, it could be called the Seville Golden Age of Painting because so many of the artists were from that city.

We loved our first visit to Sevilla but as we explored the city, I was continually aware and surprised to not find any of these quality Baroque paintings that Spain is famous for. In particular, I was surprised that in the spectacularly huge Gothic main cathedral there was only one very ho-hum Murillo displayed very poorly, nor in the Alcazar royal fortress residence was there anything to talk about, nor in the Archives of the Indies… nor in any other public buildings we visited! But, note please, all future visitors to Seville, the location of these 3 sites is AMAZING and was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a “World Heritage Site.”

Seville World Heritage site

The Cathedral in Seville (I’m taking the picture from the roof-foreground), The Alcazar Fortress – Royal Residence (left), The Archives of the Indies (right, next to the cathedral)

So, not having found yet what I was anticipating, I was still hopeful to find the masterpieces I was looking for at the Seville Museum of Fine Arts. Located in the old converted convent (which is very nice and is laid out like a palace) you would think that the museum would be full of these world famous master’s work… We wandered around and I was completely underwhelmed… although the architecture was nice, where was all the great art?!?!?!

At one point we opened, what I remember was an unassuming, unmarked door and unexpectedly entered directly into the central nave of a full sized chapel buried in the middle of the palace structure, completely unannounced by the outside architecture. This full sized church seemed, to me, to be camouflaged by the rest of the surrounding building! I was so surprised!

de Zuberan

The most beautiful exhibition I've ever seen!

The most beautiful exhibition I’ve ever seen!

And then, I was immediately hit with a vision of beauty! It impressed me as being possibly the most beautiful exhibition of artwork that I have EVER seen!!! The architecture was stunning, the abundant lighting was perfect and evenly lit. The masters of Spain’s Golden Age of Painting were represented here with the gorgeously framed artwork of religious subjects. There were choice works by artists such as El Greco, de Zuberan, Velazquez, Murillo and many others – these were but a few of the great 16th and 17th century masters whose genius set a standard of excellence for centuries. Their great religious works were perfect for this deconsecrated exhibition space and environment.

Seville Museum of Fine Arts

If you love fine art and are going to be in Seville, Spain, do yourself a favor and visit this unique, world class, spectacular exhibition space and soak in the Spanish Golden Age of Painting. If you are in the mood and aware of its special nature, you will be rewarded for your effort and your recollection of the exhibition in the future will enrich your memories. Take lots of pictures… put they won’t come close to doing it justice or giving you the goose bumps on your arms, like when I walked in.

Virgen de las Cuervas by de Zubaran low res

Contact us to discuss your painting restoration questions! Scott M. Haskins, Oriana Montemurro, Virginia Panizzon, Art Conservators 805 564 3438, faclartdoc@gmail.com

Below are other videos with Scott M. Haskins, Fine Art Conservator as he travels to special projects and locations. If you like these videos, please leave a comment below the video and give it a thumbs up, please.

Palazzolo, Iseo Lake, Italy – Rediscovering 1000 years of murals, Consultation Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldQSxjAzSUA&index=5&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&spfreload=10

Lonato, Italy Baroque Mural Conservation Project- Notes for Italian Ministry of Tourism from the area: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1wgLnF3VMc&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&index=16

Tintoretto Paintings Exhibit (Baroque Art) in Rome Italy – Walk Through with Art Conservator Scott Haskins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO9myPDaA3A&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&index=12&spfreload=10

Tintoretto’s (Baroque Artist) Neighborhood, Venice Italy – Walk Through with Art Conservator Scott Haskins:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OgZ1k-t-Ks&index=9&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&spfreload=10

Walk through the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF3QaJihNS8&index=10&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&spfreload=10

Royal Carriages of Princesses, Queens, Kings and Popes in Rome, Italy – Discover behind the scenes info.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-hKGLzT_u0&index=11&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&spfreload=10

Philadelphia Museum of Art – Walk through with Art Conservator Scott Haskins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFULHuqJ6kw&index=13&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9

Art Highlights Tour From Trip To Chicago 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvyAHq21QWc&index=14&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&spfreload=10

LDS Church History Museum, Salt Lake City, Utah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrAntB8ELKU&index=3&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&spfreload=10

Portuguese tile work – a visit to an avid collector in Los Angeles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2Yfgd2G3ok&list=PLLxFeD9MHd7TfXUSaSm4vOWWiminNvnf9&index=4&spfreload=10

#BaroqueArt, #SpainsGoldenAge, #BaroquePaintings, #ArtConservation, #PaintingConservation, #PaintingRestoration, #FineArtConservationLab, #SevilleMuseumOfFineArts,

About Scott M. Haskins

Scott Haskins has been in professional art conservation since 1975, specializing in the conservation/restoration of easel paintings, murals and art on paper. FACL, Inc. is known nationally for doing A+ work no matter the size or difficulty of the project. We are happy to do a quick cleaning on a family heirloom. Our client list and resume is also full of very satisfied clients of large, difficult/complicated projects at remote locations. Excellent services are also available as an Expert Witness/Legal Testimony in art related matters. Consultation on art related projects occur regularly including extensive insurance evaluations for insured or insurer. Services are offered worldwide. Scott M. Haskins is also author of the "Save Your Stuff" series, educational information, materials and supplies to help people protect and save their treasured family heirlooms and collectibles at home and office. He can be reached at 805 564 3438. Video and written testimonials at https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/testimonials/
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10 Responses to Seville Golden Age of Spanish Painting at the Museum of Fine Arts

  1. Julia Betancor says:

    Scott, we would love to show you around Madrid when you come to Spain next time. We have watched all your videos and think you are amazing. The projects in Italy where you are a consultant are lucky to have you! https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliabetancor/

  2. Isabel Cruz Saavedra says:

    I’m very sorry I missed you during your visit. I was out of town on vacation. Please come back soon so I can show you more of Sevilla.

  3. Stephen Smith says:

    Loved it! I will go see it the next time I’m in Seville. We’ve been there twice and missed this! Thanks.

  4. Stephanie Santillan says:

    Your visits to interesting places would be a great feature for a group travel excursion. You could be the guide! Shall we discuss it?

    • Scott M. Haskins

      The Real Person!

      Author Scott M. Haskins acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

      says:

      Sure Stephanie, call me at 805 564 3438. TTYS

  5. Roberta Carter says:

    Madrid has a huge art museum you’ll love it. Can’t wait to hear some awesome background info on it when you visit.

  6. Bonny Brown says:

    Just beautiful Scott. Thank you for sharing.

  7. angela goldini says:

    We enjoyed your visit to our painting restoration lab. It was fun to meet you and we look forward to the next time.

  8. kurtis sides says:

    Didn’t know i was looking at some amazing golden age fine arts when i was living there. sweet haha I did also get the chance to go to Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga to see the other art museums.

  9. Buenrostro Fee says:

    Scott, thank you for sharing that with us. What skill these masters had. I love it.

Comments are closed.