Delve into 'Su Majestad escoja', an exhibition revealing the Royal Palace of Madrid's rare collection of Spanish ornamental rock samples. Visitors can examine 301 distinct marble pieces, originally assembled between 1740 and 1790 to guide architectural decisions for royal residences. This unique display illuminates the fascinating history of material selection and the 'royal marble policy' that defined 18th-century grandeur in the Iberian Peninsula.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Su Majestad escoja. The Ornamental Rock Sample Collection of the Royal Palace of Madrid at Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid
This exhibition showcases the Royal Palace's collection of Spanish marble samples, displayed in their entirety for the first time. The collection, assembled between 1740 and 1790 under architects Sacchetti and Sabatini, was used to select materials for the Royal Palace's interiors. It offers insight into the historical use of ornamental rocks in royal construction projects.
The exhibition 'Su Majestad escoja' presents the Royal Palace's collection of Spanish ornamental rock samples, which have been recently restored. This extensive collection, comprising eight pinewood chests with 301 samples from over a hundred quarries across the Iberian Peninsula, was instrumental in choosing materials for the interiors of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Assembled between 1740 and 1790 under the supervision of architects Giovanni Battista Sacchetti and Francesco Sabatini, the collection reflects a 'royal marble policy' that emphasized national natural wealth and royal magnificence. The purpose of these samples was to guide decisions on materials for floors, doorways, fireplaces, and other architectural elements. Beyond the Madrid palace, these ornamental rocks were also utilized in other Royal Sites, highlighting their importance in the Bourbon monarchs' architectural endeavors. The text details the historical context of marble and ornamental rock usage in the 18th century, from Philip V's adoption of French policies to Charles III's and Charles IV's extensive use of these materials in palaces like El Escorial, El Pardo, and the Casa del Labrador in Aranjuez. It also touches upon the restoration process of these valuable sample chests, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to preserve their structural and aesthetic integrity. The collection's rediscovery offers a unique perspective on the meticulous planning and material selection that shaped the grandeur of Spanish royal residences.
Admission to the Royal Collection Gallery and temporary exhibitions is available. The page specifies visiting the Royal Collection Gallery and temporary exhibitions via Plaza de la Armería.
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