Exploring German Luxury Goods and Decorative Arts in Modern Age Spain

This exhibition explores the significant presence and impact of German luxury goods in Spain during the Modern Age. It highlights the craftsmanship of German workshops and their influence on Spanish noble and wealthy clientele, showcasing a selection of exquisite decorative arts that reflect commercial and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The exhibition 'Lujo alemán en la España de la Edad Moderna' is a collaborative project involving the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas (MNAD), the Museo Nacional de Escultura, and the Museo del Traje. It delves into the rich history of German craftsmanship and its influence on Spanish luxury markets from the 16th century onwards. German workshops, particularly from cities like Augsburg and Nuremberg, specialized in producing high-quality items such as silverwork, fine furniture, glassware, and timepieces, which were highly sought after by Spanish nobility. The exhibition emphasizes the role of printed designs and pattern books in disseminating German aesthetic trends across Europe. It showcases pieces that exemplify the cosmopolitan taste and opulence of the era, including 'escritorios de Alemania' (German writing desks) which became paradigms of sophisticated design. The selected objects from the MNAD collection highlight the commercial and cultural ties between Germany and Spain, featuring items like silver buffets, exotic nautilus shell cups, elegant writing desks, and decorative plates. The technical mastery of the artisans is evident in techniques such as wheel engraving, goldsmithing, marquetry, and ivory carving, alongside characteristic German decorative motifs like 'rollwerk' and chinoiserie.

The exhibition is accessible during the museum's regular visiting hours. Thursday afternoons offer an extended opening. Specific holiday hours are noted for December. Visitors should refer to the museum's general admission policy for entry details.