Thyssen Bornemisza Gallery

[Gene Silva]

Bernard:

I will return to the Thyssen in July. It's a wonderful museum and one that
would be better known if it were not for the Prado. As you may already know,
Jaume Huguet's work is there as well ("Profeta David"). You have good taste.

One small point; "Misa de Peregrinos" was painted in the 15th century.

I suppose for many pilgrims the traditional Madrid icon of their walk is
Velasquez's self portrait in "Las Meninas" where he proudly displays the
Knighthood cross of Santiago on his chest. Now that you have brought it to
our attention I think the Huguet painting is more truly representative of
pilgrimage. Can't believe I missed it the last time I was there.

Gene Silva
ejsilvaaswbell.net




> For those who are in Madrid as part of their pilgrimage, can I
> recommend a visit to the Thyssen Gallery, near to the Prado.  Although
> I would hate to tell an art lover to miss the Prado, there are many
> treasures in the Thyssen, and some that are of great interest to a
> returning pilgrim.
>
> One painting in particular that I loved is in gallery 2, called The
> Pilgrim's Mass, from around the 14th century.  It shows a motely group
> of pilgrims coming into a church (in the middle of mass - typical),
> receiving alms from a nobleman (pity we didn't meet some noblemen).
> What I loved was the decoration in the hat of the first pilgrim; not
> only does he have his shell in his hat, he also has a number of of
> decorative pins.  My wile and I both recognised him - "It's Clemant"
> she said - substitute someone else you met on the walk.
>
>