Madrid
Completed

MÍRAME. Retratos y retratistas en la Colección ABC: An Exhibition of Portraiture and Illustration

Explore how 103 artists used portraiture in press and art, featuring over two hundred illustrations.

"MÍRAME. Retratos y retratistas en la Colección ABC" unveils the rich history of portraiture. This compelling exhibition showcases over two hundred illustrations from the ABC Collection, examining diverse artistic representations of individuals through different eras. Delve into the evolution of portraiture, from prominent press faces to societal depictions.

About MÍRAME. Retratos y retratistas en la Colección ABC at ABC Museum of Drawing and Illustration in Madrid

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for MÍRAME. Retratos y retratistas en la Colección ABC at ABC Museum of Drawing and Illustration in Madrid

Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores the history and evolution of portraiture within the ABC Collection, focusing on how artists have represented individuals across different eras. Featuring over two hundred illustrations published in the magazine Blanco y Negro and the newspaper ABC, the exhibition delves into various categories of portraits, from prominent cover faces to documentary and elegant societal representations.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'MÍRAME. Retratos y retratistas en la Colección ABC' delves into the enduring genre of portraiture as practiced by artists throughout history, highlighting its artistic, representative, and documentary functions. It traces how the portrait has adapted to various aesthetic, philosophical, and sociological shifts, resulting in a rich typology that includes individual portraits, self-portraits, group portraits, and different framing styles. The exhibition specifically examines the role of portraiture in mass media, such as illustrated press and advertising, particularly within the context of the magazine _Blanco y Negro_ and the newspaper _ABC_, where portraits became instruments for popularizing figures and documenting society. The exhibition is structured into four thematic sections: 'Retratos de primera plana' (Cover Portraits), showcasing eye-catching faces; 'Tipos, costumbres y exotismo' (Types, Customs, and Exoticism), featuring documentary and ethnographic portraits; 'Retratos del gran mundo' (Portraits of the High Society), depicting elegant representations of high society and entertainment; and 'Retratos con nombre y apellidos' (Portraits with Names and Surnames), presenting portraits and caricatures of well-known personalities. With over two hundred illustrations by 103 artists from the ABC Collection, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at how portraiture has been used to capture identities, reflect societal trends, and tell stories.

Admission and ticket notes

Admission to the exhibition is free. Guided tours are available, some of which require advance booking due to limited capacity. Visitors are directed to specific booking forms or contact details for reservations and group visits.

MÍRAME. Retratos y retratistas en la Colección ABC key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for MÍRAME. Retratos y retratistas en la Colección ABC at ABC Museum of Drawing and Illustration in Madrid

Venue
ABC Museum of Drawing and Illustration
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Feb 27, 2026 – Jul 24, 2026
Artist line / attribution
Featuring over two hundred illustrations by 103 artists from the ABC Collection.
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