Spanish Golden Age and Flemish Masterpieces Arrive at MEET Málaga
A major historical exhibition has opened in Málaga, showcasing the rich artistic exchanges that shaped Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Hosted at MEET Málaga Espacio Expositivo Tabacalera, the exhibition, titled The Art of Painting: Confluences in the Time of the Habsburgs, brings together more than 80 exceptional paintings and tapestries from the prestigious private collection of Alejandro Sanz Peinado. Visitors have until September 30, 2026, to experience this first phase of a multi-part exhibition project.
A Thirty-Year Journey into European Art History
The collection on display is the result of three decades of dedicated acquisition by Alejandro Sanz Peinado. Initially focusing on Dutch works, the collector’s focus expanded to Flemish art and the Spanish Golden Age, driven by the deep historical and political ties binding these territories under the Habsburg (Austrias) monarchy.
The chronologically arranged display begins with Jakob van Loo’s Portrait of a Lady with Gloves, which marks the very first piece acquired for the collection. From there, visitors are guided through the evolution of European painting up to 1700, the year that marked the conclusion of the Habsburg dynasty.
Masterpieces from Rubens, Velázquez, and Flemish Legends
The exhibition highlights the profound dialogue between Spanish, Italian, and Flemish schools of art. During this era, Italian styles heavily influenced northern painters, while Spanish masters adapted these trends into their own distinct Golden Age.
Visitors can observe works by legendary Spanish figures such as:
- Diego Velázquez
- Francisco de Zurbarán
- Antonio de Pereda
- Juan Carreño de Miranda
The collection also emphasizes the monumental impact of Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, whose travels to Italy and royal commissions in Spain defined the Baroque era. Their influence is visible in the pieces on display by subsequent generations of Flemish painters, including Jan Cossiers and the Francken family.
Additionally, the exhibition dedicates a section to David Teniers II, famous for his lively scenes of peasant life, alongside his son David Teniers III. This section features two remarkable, rare tapestries crafted by the renowned Leyniers and de Vos workshops in Brussels, which historically supplied the major royal houses of Europe.
What to Expect on Your Visit to MEET Málaga
Curated by art historian Ángel Rodríguez Rebollo, the exhibition occupies the historic Tabacalera complex at Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15. The official opening ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including Málaga’s mayor, Francisco de la Torre, and the city’s councillor for culture, Mariana Pineda.
This exhibition represents a significant addition to the city’s temporary exhibition schedule. If you are planning your next cultural itinerary, Musemap (musemap.art) is an excellent companion to help you navigate the local scene. You can easily browse museums in Málaga, find current exhibitions on the Málaga what's on guide, or locate nearby heritage landmarks using the interactive Málaga map.
