Carlos III. Majestad y Ornato: An Exhibition Exploring Royal Patronage and 18th-Century Spanish Art
Delve into the aesthetic principles of Magnificence and the transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism within royal residences.
This exhibition offers a deep exploration of King Charles III's significant role as a patron of the arts. It analyzes the aesthetic concept of "Magnificence" that shaped Spanish royal residences during his reign. Discover pieces from the Patrimonio Nacional's Royal Collections, showcasing the fascinating transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism in 18th-century art.
About Carlos III. Majestad y Ornato en los Escenarios del Rey Ilustrado at Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales in Madrid
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Carlos III. Majestad y Ornato en los Escenarios del Rey Ilustrado at Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales in Madrid
Exhibition summary
This exhibition explores the patronage of King Charles III and the concept of 'Magnificence' in Spanish royal residences during the transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism. It features pieces from the Royal Collections, including newly introduced works and themes such as funeral tributes to the monarch.
Curatorial context
The exhibition 'Carlos III. Majestad y Ornato en los Escenarios del Rey Ilustrado' (Charles III. Majesty and Ornament in the Settings of the Enlightened King) offers a deep dive into the reign of Charles III, focusing on his role as a patron of the arts and the aesthetic principles of 'Magnificence' that defined the Spanish royal residences of the era. Initially held at the Royal Palace of Madrid from December 5, 2016, to May 7, 2017, the exhibition attracted over 200,000 visitors. Due to its success and relevance to the III Centenary of Charles III's birth, the exhibition was extended until January 7, 2018.
While largely composed of pieces from the Patrimonio Nacional's Royal Collections, many of which are not typically accessible to the public, the exhibition's second version was enriched with new, lesser-known but high-quality works from these same collections. This allowed for an expansion of its narrative, shedding light on Charles III's specific artistic interests. The exhibition maintains its core approach, analyzing the king's patronage and the significance of 'Magnificence' in shaping the aesthetic and meaning of Spanish royal residences during a period of transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism. New thematic elements were introduced, including a section on funeral rites and eulogies dedicated to the monarch, positioned after the display on his death, which was noted as a particularly impactful and evocative part of the visitor experience.
Admission and ticket notes
Admission for the exhibition 'Carlos III. Majestad y Ornato' is included with the general ticket for the Royal Palace of Madrid, priced at 11 euros. The exhibition follows the palace's opening hours, with last access typically one hour before closing.
Carlos III. Majestad y Ornato en los Escenarios del Rey Ilustrado key exhibition facts
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Carlos III. Majestad y Ornato en los Escenarios del Rey Ilustrado at Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales in Madrid
Venue
Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Dec 5, 2016 – Jan 7, 2018
Artist line / attribution
Organized by Patrimonio Nacional, with sponsorship from Fundación Banco Santander. Curated by Dña. María Pilar Benito García, D. Javier Jordán de Urríes, and D. José Luis Sancho Gaspar.
Madrid
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