This exhibition brings to light the exquisite Neoclassical porcelain figure of Urania, the muse of Astronomy, created at the historic Royal Porcelain Factory of Buen Retiro. Visitors can explore the factory's rich heritage, its pioneering transition to hard-paste porcelain, and the fascinating, though uncompleted, monumental 'Parnaso español' project. It offers a unique insight into 18th and 19th-century Spanish ceramic artistry and innovation, showcasing a grand artistic vision.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for La Musa Urania del Parnaso español en la Real Fábrica de Porcelana del Buen Retiro at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
This exhibition focuses on the figure of Urania, the muse of Astronomy, a Neoclassical porcelain piece from the Royal Porcelain Factory of Buen Retiro. It delves into the factory's history, its transition to hard-paste porcelain under Bartolomé Sureda, and a monumental 'Parnaso español' project that was unfortunately never completed.
The exhibition 'La Musa Urania del Parnaso español en la Real Fábrica de Porcelana del Buen Retiro' delves into a significant Neoclassical porcelain figure of Urania, the muse of Astronomy, produced by the Royal Porcelain Factory of Buen Retiro. Established in 1760 by King Charles III and popularly known as 'La China,' this factory was the sole porcelain manufacturer in the kingdom for fifty years, succeeding the Capodimonte factory in Naples. The figure of Urania exemplifies the dignity and sobriety of the Classical Antiquity style, showcasing advancements in porcelain production introduced by Bartolomé Sureda, who led the factory from 1803 and pioneered hard-paste porcelain, inspired by French manufacture techniques. The context of this piece relates to a grand commission by King Charles IV in 1802 for a monumental centerpiece representing the Spanish Parnassus, intended to unite prominent Spanish cultural figures with mythological deities. Sculptor Esteban de Ágreda played a key role in conceiving this ambitious project, which comprised sixty-three figures. Unfortunately, the occupation by French forces in 1808 halted the factory's activity, leading to its destruction by the English in 1812. The exhibition highlights this figure not only as an artistic creation but also as a testament to a period of rich innovation and a grand, unrealized artistic vision.
The exhibition is presented as 'Pieza del mes' (Piece of the Month) in February 2019. Museum opening hours are from Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30-15:00 h, and Sundays and holidays: 10:00-15:00 h, with late hours on Thursdays from 17:00-20:00 h. Visitors are directed to the general museum information for access details. The specific entry fee or ticketing policy for this 'Piece of the Month' is not detailed, but it is implied to be part of the museum's general admission.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for La Musa Urania del Parnaso español en la Real Fábrica de Porcelana del Buen Retiro at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
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