Salzillo: The Moment Stopped – An 18th-Century Sculptor at the Decorative Arts Museum
Explore Francisco Salzillo's unique style, blending French, Italian, and Spanish Baroque influences through new research.
This exhibition invites visitors to delve into the creative genius of Francisco Salzillo, a pivotal 18th-century Spanish sculptor. Discover his diverse works, from intricate reliefs to grand processional sculptures, reflecting a unique style that harmoniously blended European Baroque influences. New research and catalog additions provide fresh perspectives on Salzillo's significant contributions to Hispanic art.
About Salzillo. The Moment Stopped at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Salzillo. The Moment Stopped at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
Exhibition summary
This exhibition delves into the creative process of Francisco Salzillo, a pivotal Spanish sculptor of the 18th century known for his diverse works ranging from reliefs to processional pasos. The display highlights new research and recent catalog additions, showcasing his unique style that blended French, Italian, and Spanish Baroque influences.
Curatorial context
Francisco Salzillo (1707-1783) stands as a monumental figure in 18th-century Spanish sculpture, renowned for his broad range of artistic output, encompassing reliefs, altar and oratory images, and processional sculptures. For over half a century, this sculptor from Murcia dominated the local art market with a distinctive and eclectic style that harmoniously combined French and Italian influences, the academic trends of the Madrid court, and the lingering aesthetics of the Hispano-Baroque. His unique artistic fusion is best understood through his origins and creative journey, influenced by his father, a competent Neapolitan sculptor based in Murcia, and earlier masters like Dupar and Bussy. This exhibition aims to illuminate a less-publicized aspect of Salzillo's work: his creative process.
The Museo Nacional de Escultura, dedicated to the study and dissemination of sculpture, places particular importance on this exhibition, as Salzillo's figure is intrinsically linked to the institution's history. Since its establishment in 1933, the museum has steadily acquired numerous works by the Murcian master, reflecting his exceptional skill. Complementing these pieces, the exhibition features loans from various public and private institutions across Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Castilla y León, collectively offering a fresh perspective on one of the most essential names in Hispanic art. The exhibition also underscores the significance of newly incorporated works and ongoing research, providing a renewed vision of Salzillo's essential contributions.
Admission and ticket notes
Entry to the exhibition is free. Visiting hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and Sundays and holidays from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Further details on museum opening times are available.
Salzillo. The Moment Stopped key exhibition facts
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Salzillo. The Moment Stopped at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
Venue
Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
May 5, 2026 – Aug 23, 2026
Artist line / attribution
Francisco Salzillo (1707-1783), a significant Spanish sculptor of the 18th century, is featured in this exhibition. The exhibition is curated by Miguel Ángel Marcos Villán from the Museo Nacional de Escultura.
Madrid
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