Queensland Art Gallery - Queensland Government

QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY 

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA 

21 JULY – 4 NOVEMBER 2012 

PRESENTED BY 

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PRINCIPAL DONOR 

TOURISM AND MEDIA PARTNERS 

CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION SUPPORTED BY 

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Diego Velázquez / Mars (El dios Marte) (detail) c.1638 / Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid / © Photographic Archive, Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid

20 July 2012 

‘PORTRAIT OF SPAIN’ OPENS AT QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY 

The first exhibition from Madrid’s esteemed Museo Nacional del Prado 

to be presented in the Southern Hemisphere will open at the 

Queensland Art Gallery tomorrow. 

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Director Tony Ellwood 

said ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’, on display from 

21 July to November 4, would include 100 works, many of which had 

never before left Europe. 

‘The exhibition features masterpieces painted between 1550 and 1900 

by revered Spanish artists Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo and Goya, as 

well as artists who worked in Spain and directly influenced the 

development of painting in the country, such as Titian, Rubens, 

Tiepolo and Mengs,’ he said 

Image: Francisco de Goya / María Antonia 

Gonzaga, Marchioness widow of Villafranca 

(María Antonia Gonzaga, marquesa viuda 

de Villafranca) c.1795 / Collection: Museo 

Nacional del Prado, Madrid / © Photographic 

Archive, Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. 

‘It draws on the Prado’s rich holdings and includes magnificent royal 

portraits, large scale history paintings, religious pictures, mythological 

paintings and intimate still life paintings. 

‘Also included are landscapes and nudes from the mid-nineteenth century, by major artists such as 

Federico de Madrazo, Eduardo Rosales, Mariano Fortuny, Aureliano de Beruete and Joaquín Sorolla 

reflecting the emergence of modern Spain. 

‘This is the largest collection of works the Prado has ever loaned and we are privileged to be the host 

gallery for an exhibition of this calibre. 

Mr Ellwood said some of the works in the exhibition have never been lent to another gallery by the Prado, 

including Antonio de Pereda’s Relief of Genoa, which is the largest framed artwork to ever travel to 

Australia. 

‘We are fortunate to have three major paintings by Velázquez, including the magnificent Mars, a highlight 

of the Prado’s holdings from Spain’s Golden Age,’ he said. 

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‘A selection of over 20 works from three suites of etchings by Goya – Los Caprichos, The Disasters of 

War and Los Disparates – provides a fascinating insight into some of Spain’s most dark and tumultuous 

years. Among these is a rare first edition bound volume of The Disasters of War. 

‘These images show why Goya is regarded as one of the first truly modern artists. In them, Goya gives 

free reign to his private imaginative world, one shaped as much by fear and superstition as by the 

ideals of the Enlightenment. ‘Portrait of Spain’ also includes three major paintings by Goya which have 

never before been seen in Australia.’ 

Mr Ellwood said ‘Portrait of Spain’ would be complemented by a 304-page exhibition catalogue 

featuring major essays by Gabriele Finaldi, Deputy Director of the Museo del Prado and exhibition 

curator Javier Portús, Chief Curator of Spanish Painting to 1700 at the Prado, as well as full colour 

plates and detailed entries on every artwork in the show. 

‘There is also a dedicated ‘Portrait of Spain for Kids’ publication for younger readers; a Friday night Up 

Late series featuring live music from August 31 to November 2; ongoing public programs and talks; and 

two film programs in the GOMA Cinema, 100 Years of Spanish Cinema and a ticketed retrospective on 

the work of acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar. 

‘The experience of the exhibition will be further enhanced by La Sala del Prado, a large-scale lounge 

and café space reflecting the vibrancy of Spanish history and contemporary design, food and culture,’ 

he said. 

‘La Sala del Prado will offer visitors drawing activities, interactive games, a multimedia timeline and an 

ongoing program of events to complement the exhibition.’ 

‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’ is exclusive to the Queensland Art Gallery and will run 

from July 21 to November 4, 2012. 

This exhibition has been organised by Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid in association with the 

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art and Art Exhibitions Australia. It is presented by Events 

Queensland and the Queensland Government and the Principal Sponsor is ACCIONA. 

The exhibition is supported by the Australian Government International Exhibitions Insurance (AGIEI) 

Program. 

For more information visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/prado 

ENDS 

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EXHIBITION SUMMARY 

• Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’, an 

exhibition of more than 100 Spanish masterpieces 

from the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, will be 

shown exclusively at the Queensland Art Gallery from 

July 21 to November 4, 2012. 

• The Museo Nacional del Prado is Spain’s national art 

museum and holds one of the most significant 

collections of European painting in the world. 

Antonio de Pereda / The relief of Genoa by the second Marquis 

of Santa Cruz (El socorro de Génova por el Segundo marqués de 

Santa Cruz) / 1634–35 / Oil on canvas / 290 x 370cm / Collection: 

Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid / © Photographic Archive, 

Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid 

• ‘Portrait of Spain’ is the first exhibition from the Prado 

to be shown in Australia, and represents the largest 

group of works the museum has ever lent to a foreign 

museum. 

• Curated by Javier Portús, Chief Curator of Spanish Painting to 1700, Museo Nacional del Prado, this 

exhibition explores the development of painting in Spain over three and a half centuries, highlighting the 

internal and external factors that influenced the evolution of Spanish painting between 1550 and 1900. 

• Presented as various chapters of Spain’s history, the exhibition will include magnificent Royal portraits, 

large scale history paintings, religious pictures, mythological scenes and intimate still lifes. 

• ‘Portrait of Spain’ will bring to Australia work by artists who played central roles in the history of European 

painting, including Spanish, Italian, Flemish and French artists who worked for the Spanish Royal Court. 

• The exhibition will explore the political and cultural forces that have influenced the development of 

modern Spain, and reveal how modern Spanish identity was formulated over 350 years. 

• Artists represented include EL GRECO, Vecellio di Gregorio TIZIANO (TITIAN), Peter Paul RUBENS, 

Michel-Ange HOUASSE, Anton Rafael MENGS, Francisco de ZURBARÁN, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y 

VELÁZQUEZ, Bartolomé Esteban MURILLO, Juan CARREÑO DE MIRANDA, Luis MELÉNDEZ, 

Francisco de GOYA Y LUCIENTES, Federico de MADRAZO Y KUNTZ, Mariano FORTUNY MARSAL 

and Joaquín SOROLLA Y BASTIDA. 

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• An important selection of twenty-two (22) prints from the three extraordinary series of aquatints by 

Goya, Los Caprichos (1799), Los Desastres de la Guerra (1810-1815) and Los Disparates (1816– 

19) will be a highlight of the exhibition. 

• ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’ will include the Queensland Art Gallery’s La Belle 

Hollandaise 1905 by Pablo Picasso. This work demonstrates the influence that artists such as 

Velázquez and Ribera had on Picasso, especially in his approach to the representation of the 

human form. 

• The exhibition is presented by the Queensland Art Gallery and Art Exhibitions Australia, in 

partnership with the Museo Nacional Del Prado. 

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CURATORIAL OVERVIEW 

Spain’s unique history is reflected in the collections of the Museo Nacional del Prado, the national art museum 

located in central Madrid. Part of this history, from the beginnings of the Golden Age in 1550 through to 1900, 

is told in the exhibition ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’ through a selection of over 100 art 

works, many originally created for real sitios – ‘royal sites’ which included residences, convents and 

monasteries. The Prado’s collections of paintings and sculptures by Italian, Flemish, French and Spanish 

artists were initially amassed by monarchs whose interests and beliefs led them to commission work from 

leading European artists, and who used these images to reinforce their power and spiritual faith throughout 

Spain and its territories. 

During much of the period depicted in the exhibition, Spain was a lead actor on the world stage. While its 

influence in international affairs was significant, its national identity was being shaped by both external and 

internal factors. Many of the political, religious and cultural forces that contributed to modern Spain are evident 

in the works in this exhibition, which collectively paint a portrait of a nation emerging from an extraordinary 

history. 

1. Painting in an absolutist state (1550-1770) 

The grandeur of imperial Spain is displayed in a group of portraits of 

kings, crown princes, infantas (princesses) and other members of the 

royal court. The first Spanish Habsburg king, Charles I of Spain brought 

his cosmopolitan tastes for Flemish, German and Italian art to the 

Spanish court, commissioning work from Flemish artist Anthonis Mor 

and the Venetian master Titian. Portraits by these two artists, 

commissioned by Charles’s son, Philip II, established a model for royal 

portraiture that would endure and undergo modification by subsequent 

generations of Spanish-born painters, such as Alonso Sánchez Coello, 

Juan Pantoja de la Cruz, Juan Carreño de Miranda and Diego 

Velázquez. 

The royal portraitist’s chief duty was to reflect the glory of the king, and 

this was achieved in the depiction of the monarch’s stance and gaze, 

choice of attire and the setting. Other members of the royal court were 

painted to bolster the monarchy’s authority, either through the grandeur 

associated with noble courtiers or – in the case of court jesters, dwarfs 

and other ‘curiosities’ – as counterpoints, so that the king’s power and 

majesty appeared even greater. 

Alonso Sánchez Coello and workshop / 

The infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia and 

Magdalena Ruiz (La infanta Isabel Clara 

Eugenia y Magdalena Ruiz) c.1585–88 / Oil 

on canvas / 207 x 129cm / Collection: 

Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid / © 

Photographic Archive, Museo Nacional del 

Prado, Madrid 

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Diego Velázquez was appointed as court painter to Philip IV in 1623 and later became the only artist 

authorised to paint his portrait – an exceptional honour that brought with it an elevated social status. His 

portraits of the king show a solemn figure with a statue-like comportment revealing little of his personality. 

Nevertheless, some have seen within the ageing king’s portraits traces of the economic and political woes 

of the Spanish Crown, the military challenges of empire and the worries of dynastic succession. 

The royal court 

In 1561, Philip II established the royal court permanently in 

Madrid. The new court attracted many noble families, 

resulting in a considerable expansion of Madrid’s population, 

and in turn artists and artisans came seeking commissions 

for portraits, religious paintings, sculptures, decorative 

scenes and furnishings to adorn the houses of nobility. 

Basing his court in Madrid also enabled Philip II to direct the 

construction of the vast monastery of San Lorenzo de El 

Escorial, a project that led to unprecedented artistic 

production in Spain. 

Diego Velázquez / Francisco Lezcano, known as 'El 

Niño de Vallecas' ('The Boy from Vallecas') c.1636– 

38 / Oil on canvas / 107 x 83cm / Collection: 


Photographic Archive, Museo Nacional del Prado, 

Madrid 

A particular feature of the Spanish royal court was the 

position occupied by dwarfs, jesters and those generically 

referred to as gente de placer (people for mirth and 

entertainment). These individuals constituted an 

indispensable part of the palace’s human landscape and 

were directly associated with the idea of power. In Philip IV’s 

day, portraits of these members of the court (such as 

Velázquez’s portrait of Francisco Lezcano) hung on the walls 

of the Torre de la Parada alongside portraits of the king and 

his sons. 

Mythology: A language of authority 

Although portraiture and religious scenes were the most common subjects in sixteenth- and seventeenthcentury 

Spain, mythological and history painting allowed artists to express the power of the monarchy 

more forcefully, and with the most individuality. 

Mythological paintings were often produced for the pleasure of the king alone, and it was largely through 

Italian painters, such as Titian, Veronese, Giambattista Tiepolo and Luca Giordano, and Flemish painter 

Peter Paul Rubens, that mythological subjects initially found their way into Spanish collections. 

Under the reign of Philip IV, royal building projects generated a new wave of mythological and history 

paintings. These included a host of works for the throne room of Buen Retiro Palace, among them Antonio 

de Pereda’s impressive Relief of Genoa by the Second Marquis of Santa Cruz. This enormous painting 

describes an event that took place less than ten years earlier and that served as a powerful expression of 

the invincibility of the Spanish Habsburgs. For the Torre de la Parada, Philip IV commissioned numerous 

paintings from Rubens, and the Flemish painter completed 15, including Vulcan forging the thunderbolts 

of Jupiter, as well as sketches for many more that were passed on to his workshop for execution. 

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Painting and religion 

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Catholic Church drove artistic production in Spain, 

exerting even more influence than the monarchy. The establishment of the royal court in Madrid coincided 

with the spread of the Counter-Reformation throughout Europe and the final sessions of the Council of Trent 

(1545–63), which sought to rule on the true interpretation of the holy sacraments, and sanctioned an increase 

in artistic production for the purpose of veneration. 

Philip II implemented the decrees of the Council of Trent in Spain through provincial clerical councils and the 

Inquisition, which oversaw the moral practices of the everyday lives of Spaniards. Religious piety saw an 

increase in the number of places of worship throughout Spain in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, all 

of which required devotional works of art to reinforce the observance of faith. The particularities of Spanish 

Catholicism are seen in this section of the exhibition in powerful images of faith, sacrifice and supreme 

devotion. 

The still life 

Built on trade with Europe and the Spanish-American colonies, a 

wealthy Spanish merchant class emerged during the sixteenth 

and seventeenth centuries, resulting in a broadening of artistic 

patronage across an increasingly complex social spectrum. The 

still-life painting expanded artists’ repertoires beyond religious 

narratives and court portraiture to include imagery that brought 

nature into the well-to-do town houses of Seville, Toledo and 

Valencia – cities that were becoming important commercial and 

cultural centres. 

Typically based on the humble foodstuffs found in a bodega (a 

pantry, or a place for preparing food for city dwellers without 

kitchens), the Spanish still life could also include luxury items 

revealing the valuable trade in certain objects, such as Asian 

porcelain, ceramics from New Spain (modern Mexico), silver 

objects, exotic foods and finely embroidered cloths. This in turn 

reflects the sophistication and status of a new level of patronage 

in Golden Age Spain. 

2. Changing World (1770-1850) 

Images of a society 

Juan van der Hamen y León / Plate with plums and 

cherries (Plato con ciruelas y guindas) c.1631 / Oil on 

canvas / 20 x 28cm / Collection: Museo Nacional del 

Prado, Madrid / © Photographic Archive, Museo 

Nacional del Prado, Madrid 

In the mid eighteenth century, with the spread of Enlightenment thought in Europe, Spain underwent an 

unprecedented process of liberalisation. The characterisation of social habits and popular types was common 

in both art and literature, and although awareness of the ‘people’ as an autonomous and politicised force was 

slowly dawning, idealised representations of the king’s subjects continued to feature in the paintings of the 

royal court. 

Since the accession of the French Bourbon dynasty to the Spanish throne in 1700, the influence of French 

taste on art was evident in the emergence of a rococo style in Spain. The Bourbon monarchs were great 

patrons of the arts and, unlike their Habsburg predecessors, were concerned with presenting themselves as 

enlightened monarchs, in touch with their subjects’ lives. During the reign of the first Bourbon kings, royal 

manufactories were established to produce luxury goods, such as tapestries, mosaics, maiolica, glassware and 

porcelain, encouraging local industry. Included in this section of the exhibition are two tapestry designs made 

for Charles III by the period’s leading artist, Francisco de Goya, as well as paintings by his notable 

contemporaries, Ramón Bayeu, Leonardo Alenza and Luis Paret. 3/5

Portraiture and daily life 

The Spanish Enlightenment in the eighteenth century saw the 

emergence of a liberal-minded, educated class that sought 

self-representation through portraiture. While the royal court, 

aristocracy and the Church were still the primary patrons, the 

expanded social and cultural landscape encouraged the 

development of different types of portraiture, including one 

representing less formal aspects of daily life, characterised by 

familial groups and domestic settings. 

For the first time in the history of Spanish painting, the artist’s 

family and social milieu were represented. Both Francisco de 

Goya and Federico de Madrazo produced images of a 

number of their relatives and friends. The formality of 

portraiture during the previous century was gradually replaced 

with a livelier approach and a realistic style that lent itself to a 

frank representation of individual foibles and features. 

Francisco de Goya / The pottery vendor (El cacharrero) 

1778 / Oil on canvas / 259 x 220cm / Collection: Museo 

Nacional del Prado, Madrid / © Photographic Archive, Museo 

Nacional del Prado, Madrid 

The use of painting as an instrument of free, individual 

thought, capable of communicating personal concerns, took 

shape during the Spanish Enlightenment. Of particular 

significance was the role played by Goya, beginning with his 

portraiture, in introducing the concept of art as individual 

expression. 

Reason and madness 

During his long life, Francisco de Goya (1746–1828) 

witnessed a turbulent period in European history. He was a 

true believer in the Enlightenment values that prevailed during 

his 40 years as painter to the Bourbon court, but the turmoil 

that engulfed Europe at the turn of the nineteenth century and 

the politically repressive reign of Ferdinand VII destroyed the 

hopes that he and many others held for a more enlightened 

Spanish society. 

His prints from three suites of etchings made during the last 

three decades of his life, feature dark and frequently shocking 

images of witchcraft, prisons, asylums, popular superstitions, 

banditry and war. They represent a turning point in the history 

of printmaking and some of the first truly modern works of art. 

Los Caprichos (1797–98), The Disasters of War (1810–14) 

and Los Disparates (1815–19) collectively address many of 

the social, political and religious realities of a conflicted and 

regressive era in Spanish history. They present a vision in 

which the Enlightenment reforms and ideals of the late 

eighteenth century are negated by human folly, hypocrisy and 

a prolonged and brutal war. 

Francisco de Goya / De que mal morirá? (Of 

what ill will he die?) 1797–98 / Plate 40 from Los 

Caprichos, published 1799, Madrid / Etching, 

burnished aquatint, dry-point and burin 

on laid paper / 21.5 x 15cm (plate) / Collection: 


Photographic Archive, Museo Nacional del Prado, 

Madrid 

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3. The Threshold of Modern Spain (1850-1900) 

A traditionalist reflection: Spain’s history, literature and landscape 

Between 1850 and 1900, Spain experienced considerable political instability. In this period, the country’s 

administrative structure became increasingly complex with a proliferation of provincial councils and 

government ministries, and municipal institutions such as museums and fine art academies were inaugurated 

across the country. 

The Exposiciones Nacionales de Bellas Artes (National Fine Arts Exhibitions) began in 1856, inspiring 

renewed vigour in ‘official’ painting. The most prestigious genre was history painting, an ideologically loaded 

format well-suited to the demands of new political patrons. Landscape painting also increased in popularity, 

with many artists depicting areas where they lived, or places with significant artistic or historical pasts, such as 

the city of Toledo. 

Spanish painting mirrors itself 

In the second half of the nineteenth century, Spanish painting 

won new appreciation outside the country. Painters such as 

Velázquez, Ribera, Zurbarán and Murillo were recognised as the 

cornerstones of a Spanish ‘school’ of painting, whose naturalist 

styles echoed the realist tendencies flourishing in European art 

and literature. 

A dialogue evolved between contemporary painters of this time 

and their forebears, the ‘pillars’ of Spanish painting. The 

influence is visible in both content and form; for example, in the 

focus on, and treatment of, naked flesh. For a society with 

historical prohibitions on depicting the nude, it is perhaps 

unsurprising that the memory of semi-naked saints and gods by 

sixteenth- and seventeenth-century painters should remain so 

powerful in the imagination of later Spanish artists. 

Mariano Fortuny / Elderly nude man in the sun (Viejo 

desnudo al sol) 1871 / Oil on canvas / 76 x 60cm 

Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid 

© Photographic Archive, Museo Nacional del Prado, 

Madrid 

At the close of the nineteenth century, Spain was at a 

crossroads. The introspection and self-reflection of artists and 

intellectuals, influenced by a century of war and political 

upheaval, resulted in a new vision of historical Spain and a more 

coherent picture of the nation than had previously existed. 

However, this vision was temporary: in the early twentieth 

century, a new generation of artists, including Picasso, would 

venture beyond Spain’s borders, geographically and figuratively, 

seeking new sources of inspiration and changing, once again, 

the image of Spain 

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ARTISTS REPRESENTED IN THE EXHIBITION 

Leonardo Alenza 

1807 – 1845, Madrid 

José Antolínez 

1635–1675, Madrid 

Juan de Arellano 

1614, Santorcaz, Madrid - 1676, Madrid 

Ricardo Arredondo 

1850, Cella, Teruel – 1911, Toledo 

Francisco Bayeu 

1734, Zaragoza – 1795, Madrid 

Ramón Bayeu 

1744, Zaragoza – 1793, Aranjuez 

Aureliano de Beruete 

1845 – 1912 Madrid 

Alonso Cano 

1601 - 1667, Granada 

Vicente Carducho 

c.1576, Florence – 1638, Madrid 

Juan Carreño de Miranda 

1614, Avilés, Asturias – 1685, Madrid 

José del Castillo 

1737 - 1793, Madrid 

El Greco 

1541, Crete–1614, Toledo 

Juan Antonio de Frías y Escalante 

1633, Cordova - 1669, Madrid 

Juan de Espinosa 

Active between 1628 and 1659 

Antonio María Esquivel 

1806, Seville - 1857, Madrid 

Juan Fernández, 'el Labrador' 

Active in Madrid, 1630–36 

Mariano Fortuny 

1838, Reus, Tarragona - 1874, Rome 

Luca Giordano 

1634 - 1705, Naples 

Zacarías González Velázquez 

1763 - 1834, Madrid 

Francisco de Goya 

1746, Fuendetodos, Zaragoza - 1828, Bordeaux 

Carlos de Haes 

1826, Brussels - 1898, Madrid 

Tomás Hiepes (or Yepes) 

1595, ? – 1674, Valencia 

Michel-Ange Houasse 

1680, Paris - 1730, Arpajon, France 

Joaquín Inza 

1736, Ágreda, Soria – 1811, Madrid 

Vicente López 

1772, Valencia - 1850, Madrid 

Federico de Madrazo 

1815, Rome - 1894, Madrid 

Ramón Martí Alsina 

1826 - 1894, Barcelona 

Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo 

c.1611, Cuenca–1667, Madrid 

Luis Meléndez 

1716, Naples – 1780, Madrid 

Anton Raphael Mengs1728, Ústí nad Labem 

(Severocesky Kraj,Czech Republic)–1779, Rome 

José Moreno Carbonero 

1860, Málaga - 1942, Madrid 

Anthonis Mor 

c.1519, Utrecht - 1576, Antwerp 

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo 

1618–1682, Seville 

Pedro Orrente 

1580, Murcia - 1645, Valencia 

Luis Paret y Alcázar 

1746 - 1799, Madrid 

Felipe Ramírez 

Active between 1628 and 1631 

Juan Ribalta 

1597, Madrid–1628, Valencia 

Jusepe de Ribera 

1591, Jàtiva, Valencia - 1652, Naples 

(Work attributed to) Juan Andrés Ricci 

1600, Madrid - 1681, Montecassino 

Antonio de Pereda 

1611, Valladolid - 1678, Madrid 

Francisco Rizi 

1614, Madrid–1685, El Escorial 

Eduardo Rosales 

1836 - 1873, Madrid 

Peter Paul Rubens 

1577, Siegen, Germany - 1640, Antwerp 

Alonso Sánchez Coello and workshop 

1531/32, Benifairó de les Valls, Valencia– 

1588, Madrid 

Joaquín Sorolla 

1863, Valencia – 1923, Madrid 

Rafael Tejeo 

1798, Caravaca, Murcia–1856, Madrid 

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo 

1727–1804, Venice 

Titian 

c.1489, Pieve di Cadore–1576, Venice 

Juan de Valdés Leal 

1622 - 1690, Seville 

Lorenzo Vallés 

1831, Madrid - 1910, Rome 

Juan van der Hamen y León 

1596 - 1631, Madrid 

Diego Velázquez 

1599, Seville - 1660, Madrid 

Francisco de Zurbarán 

1598,Fuente de Cantos, Badajoz - 1664, 

Madrid


MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO 

The Museo Nacional del Prado is Spain’s 

premier art museum. Founded by King 

Ferdinand VII in 1819, it holds a collection of 

paintings from the 12 th to the early 20 th century 

and houses the largest collection of 

Velázquez, Goya and Rubens in the world. It 

includes several of the great masterpieces of 

European painting, including Rogier van der 

Weyden’s Descent from the Cross, Bosch’s 

Garden of Earthly Delights, El Greco’s Portrait 

of a Man with his Hand on his Chest, 

Velázquez’s Las Meninas, and Goya’s The 

Second of May 1808 and The Third of May 

1808. 

It also includes collections of ancient sculpture, decorative arts, drawings, prints and photographs, including 

the world’s largest and most important group of works on paper by Goya. 

In 2007 the Prado opened its new extension, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rafael Moneo, 

providing the Museum with new spaces for exhibitions, conservation and storage. 

Since 2007, visitor numbers have steadily increased from 2.7 million achieved during that year to the new 

record of 2.9 million in 2011. According to the most recent annual survey published in The Art Newspaper, 

the Museo del Prado is number 11 in the world ranking of most visited museums. 

As of January 2012, the Museum opens seven days a week following a decision to abandon its traditional 

Monday closing and is now the European museum with the longest opening hours. 

The Prado has an ambitious program of temporary exhibitions which has included in recent years Titian 

(2003), Manet in the Prado (2004), Tintoretto (2005), Picasso: Tradition and Avant-garde (2006), 

Velázquez’s Fables (2007), Francis Bacon (2009), Sorolla (2009), Turner and the Masters (2010), The 

Young Ribera (2011), The Hermitage in the Prado (2012) and Late Raphael (currently on view until 16th 

September 2012). 

In 2009 the Prado became the first museum in the world to offer mega-high resolution images of 14 

masterpieces of its collection online when it co-launched the project “Masterpieces in the Prado on Google 

Earth” with Google. Through Google Earth, users can access and navigate these 14 works from the 

Museum’s collection, obtaining details that are invisible to the naked eye. 

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Information on the Prado’s collections and its exhibition program is available on the Museum’s 

website (www.museodelprado.es), including an Online Gallery, a wide range of videos, and 

various interactive functions on the PradoMedia channel. The Museum is active on Facebook, 

Twitter, Google +, Foursquare and Youtube. 

For further information on the Museo Nacional del Prado visit: www.museodelprado.es 


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CURATOR BIOGRAPHY 

‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’ has been curated especially for the Queensland Art Gallery 

by Javier Portús, Chief Curator of Spanish Painting to 1700 at the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. 

Dr Portús is a respected curator and scholar of Spanish painting, and most recently curated the Prado’s 

research-based exhibition ‘The Young Ribera’ (‘El Joven Ribera’, 2011). He holds a doctoral degree in Art 

History and his special expertise is in subjects associated with the visual culture of the Golden Age in Spain, 

mainly in the relationship between painting and literature, the reception of art and the festive and ceremonial 

world. Dr Portús also has a research interest in art historiography. 

Dr Portús’s writing on Spanish art has been widely published including El culto a la Virgen en Madrid 

durante la Edad Moderna (The Cult of the Virgin in Madrid during the Modern Era), 2000; Pinturas 

mitológicas de Velázquez (Velázquez’s Mythological Paintings), 2002; and most recently El concepto de 

pintura españalo: Historia de un problema (The concept of Spanish painting: history of a problem), 2012. 

He has curated a wide range of exhibitions focusing on Spanish painting and artists, including ‘The Spanish 

Portrait: From El Greco to Picasso (2004), ‘The arts in Don Quixote’s Spain’ (2005), ‘True fakes: Spanish 

still lifes from the Naseiro collection purchased by Prado’ (2006) and ‘Velazquez’s Fables’ (2007). 

The list of works for ‘Portrait of Spain’ was developed by Dr Portús, working with his curatorial colleagues at 

the Prado, and in consultation with Tony Ellwood (Director), Suhanya Raffel (Deputy-Director, Curatorial 

and Collection Development) and Dr Miranda Wallace (Curatorial Manager, International Art, Exhibitions 

and Research) at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.

The Prado by Francesco Jodice 

The ‘Portrait of Spain’ exhibition at the Queensland 

Art Gallery (QAG) will be complemented by two 

contemporary video works: Spectaculum 

Spectatoris 2011 and Prado 2011, both by 

renowned Italian artist Francesco Jodice. 

Exhibited under the title The Prado by Francesco 

Jodice 2011, the video-installation and short film, 

originally commissioned by the Museo Nacional del 

Prado, pay tribute to the visitors of the Prado by 

presenting a ‘human atlas’ of the museum’s 

audience. 

Francesco Jodice /| Prado: Spectaculum Spectatoris 2011 (still, 

detail) / Image courtesy: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid 

These moving image works aim to illustrate the 

relationship between the vast cultural heritage of 

the Prado’s collections and its modern day visitors. 

Video Installation: Spectaculum Spectatoris 

The large-scale video Spectaculum Spectatoris 2011 will be projected onto QAG’s Watermall wall 

opposite the entrance to ‘Portrait of Spain’. The video features life-sized moving portraits and closeups 

of more than 400 visitors to the Prado from all over the world. The five, synchronised projections 

show portraits of the visitors, constructing a record of their interaction with the works of art. 

Representing the Prado’s human landscape, this installation avoids placing the work of art at its 

centre; rather, the viewer becomes a work of art. 

Film: Prado 

The second element of the work, a five-minute short film Prado, will be screened in the nearby La 

Sala del Prado resource lounge. The film reflects the everyday relationship between visitors to the 

Prado and its collections, fusing the visitor with the work of art. Jodice shows mobile portraits 

(couples, families, students) in dialogue with the Prado's collection, once again making the spectator 

the protagonist. 

For further information visit: www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/prado

LA SALA DEL PRADO 

Visitors to ‘Portrait of Spain’ are invited to experience the vibrancy of 

Spanish history and contemporary design, food and culture in La Sala 

del Prado — a large-scale lounge complementing the exhibition, 

sponsored by ACCIONA. 

La Sala del Prado features an integrated cafe and interactive spaces 

reflecting cutting edge contemporary Spanish design. La Sala will 

provide a space to relax and explore the exhibition’s many themes and 

rich history through a range of multimedia interactives and drawing 

activities. 

Prado Portraits game in La Sala del Prado 

Spanish culture and food is celebrated in a specially created setting 

inspired by Madrid — the home of the Museo Nacional del Prado. Live 

Spanish guitar performances will create the perfect atmosphere for 

gallery-goers to sample authentic Spanish cuisine and tapas at the 

Sala Café and bar. 

Sala Café: The specially designed Sala Cafe offers healthy, simple and delicious Spanish cuisine and a 

selection of miniature tapas for children. 

Prado Portraits: The Prado Portraits interactive provides a twenty-first century take on historical Spanish 

portraiture. Visitors put themselves into the picture frame to become a Spanish royal subject, a cupid or even 

a saint, and find out facts about the original subject’s accessories, dress and posture. Prado portraits can 

then be sent to family and friends using social media. 

Multimedia timeline: Within La Sala del Prado, an illustrated multimedia timeline traces the reign of Spanish 

monarchs from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries and the artists they supported, alongside major 

political and cultural events of the period and the evolution of the Prado. 

Spanish still life: Inspired by Spanish still life painting, rich with fruits, spices and produce introduced to 

Spain during periods of travel to the new world in the fifteenth century, this spectacular installation includes 

some of the now-key ingredients of the Spanish larder and explores their significance – from chocolate and 

the vanilla bean to legumes and potatoes. Visitors are invited to take up coloured pencils or a multimedia 

tablet and draw from the vibrant display. 

Spanish strings: From 12.30 to 2.30pm daily, the rich musical traditions of Spain — from classical to 

flamenco — will be presented in guitar sessions providing a vibrant musical backdrop to La Sala del Prado.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS 

A range of Spanish-inspired programs and events will complement ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the 

Prado’ exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery. 

OPENING WEEKEND PROGRAM: 

Saturday July 21 

International guest lecture: Bringing the Prado to Brisbane 

11.00am | Cinema A, GOMA 

An unprecedented opportunity to hear insights into ‘Portrait of Spain’ with Gabriele Finaldi, Deputy Director, 

Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. 

Free, no exhibition ticket required. 

Spanish strings 

12.30–2.30pm | La Sala del Prado, QAG 

Find yourself in Spain with the soft sounds of live Spanish guitar in the specially designed interactive space: 

La Sala del Prado. 

Curator’s perspective tour 

1.30pm | Exhibition spaces, QAG 

See the exhibition from a curator’s perspective with David Burnett, Curator, International Art, QAGOMA. 

Artist Talk 

2.30pm | Lecture Theatre, QAG 

Join Francesco Jodice for insights into his two video works that will complement ‘Portrait of Spain’, The 

Prado by Francesco Jodice 2011 and Spectaculum Spectatoris 2011. Free, no exhibition ticket required. 

Spanish language tour 


Fluent Spanish speakers are invited to experience ‘Portrait of Spain’ in Spanish language with a guest tour 

guide.Bookings essential as spaces are limited. To book email RSVPprograms@qagoma.qld.gov.au 

Sunday July 22 

Curator’s perspective tour 

12 noon | Exhibition spaces, QAG 

See the exhibition from a curator’s perspective with Miranda Wallace, Curatorial Manager, International Art, 

Exhibitions, Research, QAGOMA. 

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Spanish strings 

12.30–2.30pm | La Sala del Prado, QAG 

Find yourself in Spain with the soft sounds of live Spanish guitar in the specially designed interactive 

space: La Sala del Prado. 

Reign and religion in Spain 


Dr Marina Bollinger, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The University of Queensland, gives insight into 

Spain’s religious and political history as illustrated and documented through selected works in ‘Portrait of 

Spain'. 

ILLUSTRATED LECTURE SERIES: SPANISH ART, CULTURE AND HISTORY 

1.00pm Selected Sundays | Lecture Theatre, QAG | Free, no exhibition ticket required. 

Hosted by local historians and special guests, this accessible six-part illustrated series traverses Spanish 

art, culture and history from the sixteenth century to today. Visit the website for the full schedule. Free, no 

exhibition ticket required. 

July 29 | Faith, power and the image 

With Dr Carles Gutierrez-Sanfeliu, Lecturer in Spanish, The University of Queensland 

August 12 | Mythology and metamorphoses in Spanish baroque painting 

With Dr Andrea Bubenik, Lecturer in Art History, The University of Queensland 

August 26 | Royal patronage and Spanish painting 

With Dr Andrea Bubenik, Lecturer in Art History, The University of Queensland 

September 9 | Myth and literature 

With Dr Carles Gutierrez-Sanfeliu, Lecturer in Spanish, The University of Queensland 

September 23 | Spanish Architecture 

With Professor Luis Feduci, School of Architecture, The University of Queensland 

October 14 | Spanish film 

With Professor Alfredo Martinez-Exposito, Head, School of Languages and Linguistics, University of 

Melbourne 

THEMED EXHIBITION TOURS 

1.30pm selected Thursdays and Saturdays | Exhibition spaces, QAG 

Each of these specially developed tours focuses on a selection of works to examine themes emerging from 

the exhibition. Exhibition ticket required. 

Thursday August 23 | The Prado and the ‘Spanish School’ of painting 

David Burnett, Curator, International Art, QAGOMA 

Thursday September 13 | Reason and Madness: Francisco de Goya’ 

David Burnett, Curator, International Art, QAGOMA 

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Thursday October 4 | The still life in Spain: Imperialism and trade 

Sally Foster, Assistant Curator, International Art, QAGOMA 

Saturday October 13 | Spanish history through landscape 

With Miranda Wallace, Curatorial Manager, International Art and Exhibitions and Research, QAGOMA 

Saturday October 20 | What they wore: Spain through dress and design 

With Dr Jess Berry, Lecturer Art theory, Griffith University 

SPANISH LANGUAGE TOURS 

2.30pm Sundays August 26, September 23 & October 13 

Fluent Spanish speakers are invited to experience ‘Portrait of Spain’ in Spanish language with a guest tour 

guide. Bookings essential as spaces are limited RSVPprograms@qagoma.qld.gov.au 

LA SALA DEL PRADO PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

SPANISH STRINGS 

12.30 – 2.30pm Daily 

Be inspired by the rich musical traditions of Spain, from classical to flamenco, as regular guitar sessions 

provide a vibrant musical backdrop to the exhibition cafe and La Sala del Prado. 

CONTEMPORARY TALKS 

2.30pm Saturdays fortnightly 

Encoded within the paintings on display in the ‘Portrait of Spain’ are objects filled with historical 

significance. Enjoy the perspectives of a range of guests who take objects featured in works from the 

exhibition and share how they relate to the contemporary world – from fashion and jewellery to furniture 

and interiors. Exhibition ticket required. 

August 11 | Spanish design, with Michael Molloy, interior designer and lecturer, Queensland University of 

Technology 

August 25 | Spanish food and spices with Javier Codina, Head Chef, Moda Restaurant, Brisbane 

September 8 | Spanish architecture with Professor Luis Feduci, Architectural Design, School of 

Architecture, The University of Queensland 

September 22 | Jewellery design with Barbara Heath, jeweller 

October 6 | Contemporary Spanish Cinema with Abigail Loxham, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for 

Critical and Cultural Studies, The University of Queensland 

October 20 | Textiles with Michael Marendy, Textiles conservator and Senior Curator, Cultures and 

Histories Program, Queensland Museum 

SUNDAYS IN SPAIN: Spanish language introduction and tour 

2.30pm Sundays September 9 & October 7 

Spend a Sunday in Spain and enjoy a fun and informal Spanish language session introducing some easy 

Spanish phrases used to describe art, followed by a short tour of the exhibition allowing you to practice 

phrases and expressions. No previous Spanish vocabulary experience necessary. 

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MY GEN 50+ 

Programs and events for visitors aged over 50 wanting to gain knowledge through cultural and leisure 

activities. 

Illustrated Lecture — History of the Museo Nacional del Prado 

2.30pm Wednesday July 25 | Lecture Theatre, QAG 

David Burnett, Curator, International Art, QAGOMA. Free. No bookings required. 

Spanish language introduction and tour 

5.30pm Wednesday August 1 

Take part in this fun beginner’s Spanish language class in La Sala del Prado followed by a brief exhibition 

tour of ‘Portrait of Spain’. No previous experience necessary. Bookings and exhibition ticket required. 

After hours: ‘Portrait of Spain’ curator’s tour 

5.30pm Wednesday August 22 

Led by David Burnett, Curator, International Art, QAGOMA. Bookings and exhibition ticket required. 

Reflections on the Collection: Pablo Picasso’s La Belle Hollandaise, 1905 in ‘Portrait of Spain’ 

2.30pm Wednesday October 10 

Learn about the much-loved Queensland Art Gallery Collection work La Belle Hollandaise by Pablo 

Picasso, and consider the reasons behind its inclusion in ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’, 

in this discussion with Miranda Wallace, Curatorial Manager, International Art and Exhibitions and 

Research, QAGOMA. Free no bookings required. 

To book, email mygen@qagoma.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3840 7144 

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100 YEARS OF SPANISH CINEMA 

Production still from Flamenco, Flamenco 2010 / Director: 

Carlos Saura / Image courtesy: IMAGINA International Sales 

To coincide with ‘Portrait of Spain’ the Gallery’s Australian 

Cinémathèque presents a major film program celebrating 

the rich and diverse cinema history of Spain screening at 

GOMA. The program is presented in two parts, 

commencing with a complete retrospective of films by 

Pedro Almodóvar — one of the most celebrated and 

charismatic figures in contemporary Spanish cinema. 

Running throughout the exhibition period will be the ‘100 

Years of Spanish Cinema' program. This landmark film 

program, the first of its kind in Australia, traces a 

fascinating path through Spain's national cinema, charting 

the country’s turbulent modern history and the political, 

social and industrial shifts that have informed Spanish 

cultural identity. 

Pedro Almodóvar 21 July – 2 September 2012 

For more than 30 years, Pedro Almodóvar has created a unique 

blend of melodrama, suspense, black humour and visceral emotion, 

writing and directing films that deal with excess, passion and the 

complexity of family and identity. Central to his films are his 

fascinations with the disenfranchised, with the roles adopted by 

women (in particular the figure of the housewife), and exploring the 

nexus between religion, love and sexuality. Simultaneously 

flamboyant, humorous and deeply earnest, Almodóvar’s films contain 

some of the most memorable stories and characters in international 

cinema. The program features all 18 of Almodovar’s feature films 

including Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios (Women on the 

Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) 1988, Atame!(Tie Me Up! Tie Me 

Down!) 1999, Volver 2006 and La piel que habito (The Skin I Live In) 

2011. 

Tickets are available through QTIX (qtix.com.au) or at the GOMA box 

office. Adults $9.00 | Concession $7.00 | Members $6.00. Five-film 

passes are also available from $24.00 

Production still from Live Flesh 1997 / Director: 

Pedro Almodóvar / Image courtesy: Tamasa 

Distribution 

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100 Years of Spanish Cinema 25 July – 4 November 2012 

The program of 80 short and feature films includes works from 

pioneers of the silent era through to those working under dictatorship, 

censorship and the transition to democracy, as well as the latest 

generation of filmmakers working in post-Franco Spain.It explores a 

wide range of Catalan, Basque, Galician and Andalusian themes and 

film genres. The program includes socially driven rural dramas, 

national allegories embedded in historical epics, masterful satires 

and parodies of Spanish history and society. Also included are 

popular forms of melodrama and musicals, expressions of Spanish 

neo-realism, and the important traditions of documentary filmmaking. 

The program includes filmmakers Vicente Aranda, Alejandro 

Amenábar, Jaume Balagueró, Juan Antonio Bardem, Luis García 

Berlanga, Luis Buñuel, Mario Camus, Segundo de Chomón, Isabel 

Coixet, Víctor Erice, José Luis Guerín, Álex de la Iglesia, Juan José 

Bigas Luna, Julio Medem, Benito Perojo, Pere Portabella, Florián 

Rey, Carlos Saura and Albert Serra. This is a free film program. 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 

Production still from Sex and Lucia 2001 / Director: 

Julio Medem / Image courtesy: British Film Institute, 

LolaFilms 

Spanish Silent Cinema 

The Gallery’s Australian Cinémathèque will continue its commitment to live music and film with a series of 

screenings focusing on the pioneers of Spanish silent cinema. Live musical accompaniment will be provided on 

pianoforte and on the Gallery’s restored Wurlitzer Style 260 theatre organ. The work of Segundo de Chomón will 

be profiled in this section of the program. Credited as the original master of optical illusions, Chomón’s 

fantastical silent films are reminiscent of French counterpart George Méliès, leading Chomón to be described as 

the ‘Spanish Méliès’. Other notable figures to be explored in this section include Florián Rey, José Buchs, Benito 

Perojo and Francisco Elías. 

Spanish Civil War 

The events of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) are a reoccurring subject of Spanish cinema, including the 

conflict between Franco-led Nationalists and the Popular Front, as well as the broad social and political 

aftermath. This program will include Luis Buñuel’s landmark documentary Las Hurdes (Land Without Bread) 

1933 alongside popular dramatisations such as Carlos Saura’s La Caza (The Hunt) 1966 and Ay, Carmela 1990 

and allegorical contemporary films like Mexican director Guillermo del Toro’s El Espinazo Del Diablo (The 

Devil’s Backbone) 2001 and El laberinto del fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth) 2006. 

Spanish Neorealism 

During the 1950s and 1960s a generation of Spanish filmmakers were drawn to contemporary trends of realism 

and social criticism in European filmmaking and were influenced by Italian neorealism as an aesthetic model for 

addressing domestic social and political issues. Directors profiled in this part of the program include Juan 

Antonio Bardem (Muerte de un ciclista [Death of a Cyclist] 1955, Calle Mayor 1956), Luis García Berlanga 

(Placido 1961, El verdugo [The Executioner] 1963), Marco Ferreri (El cochecito [The Wheelchair] 1960), and 

Carlos Saura (Los golfos [The Delinquents] 1960). 

Carlos Saura's Flamenco Films 

Carlos Saura's celebrated musicals — directed and choreographed in the flamenco style — include Bodas de 

sangre (Blood Wedding) 1981 and Carmen 1983 that form part of his landmark Flamenco trilogy. Blood 

Wedding depicts Antonio Gades and his dance company performing a flamenco adaptation of Federico García 

Lorca's play; Carmen is an adaptation of the novel by Prosper Mérimée, using music from the opera by Georges 

Bizet. Also screening in the program is Saura’s Flamenco 1995 and Flamenco, Flamenco 2010. 

For further information visit: www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/spanishcinema 

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‘PORTRAIT OF SPAIN’ FOR KIDS 

In conjunction with ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces of the Prado’, 

visitors to La Sala del Prado are invited to take part in multimedia 

interactives and drawing activities specially developed to complement 

the exhibition. 

The Gallery’s Children’s Art Centre has selected a Spanish themed 

mascot, Pepe to guide children through ‘Portrait of Spain: 

Masterpieces from the Prado’. 

Pepe’s Great Escape! 

‘Portrait of Spain’ for kids’ mascot 

Pepe’ 

Created especially for younger visitors, this multimedia quiz featured 

in La Sala del Prado uses playful games and lively animation to bring 

to life a host of historical facts relating to art works in ‘Portrait of 

Spain’, including some of the fashion hits of the sixteenth century 

royal court, what a Spanish peasant could expect for dinner and the 

significance of the cacao bean. 

Portrait of Spain for Kids 

Pepe the rabbit guides children through Portrait of Spain for 

Kids, a richly illustrated, hardcover book introducing some of 

the most significant artists represented by the Prado’s 

collection through ten selected art works. Portrait of Spain 

for Kids is the Gallery’s fourth children’s book, and features 

full-page colour images, information about the artists, fun 

facts about Spanish history and culture, as well as 

instructions for at-home activities such as Spanish recipes. 

Available from the Exhibition Shop, QAGOMA Store and 

online at australianartbooks.com.au. RRP $24.95.

PRADO UP LATE 

The Queensland Art Gallery will open on Friday nights for 

the Up Late program from August 31 until March 2 during 

the exhibition ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the 

Prado’. 

La Sala del Prado interactive lounge will be the hub for 

Prado Up Late. Audiences can immerse themselves in 

Spanish culture, join friends for a drink or bite to eat in 

the Spanish themed bar and take in talks on 

contemporary Spanish fashion, food, design and culture. 

Emma Louise Brisbane 

A line-up of international, national and local performers 

will take to the stage in the spectacular setting of the 

adjacent Gallery Watermall. 

Tickets are $22 and are available through Qtix via www.qtix.com.au or telephone 136 246 (booking fees 

apply) and at the Queensland Art Gallery ticket desk on the night (subject to availability). Members $20. 

Up Late Line-up 

August 31: Jae Laffer (The Panics) 

September 7: Stephen Cummings (accompanied by John Wilsteed) 

September 14: Chet Faker 

September 21: Future Islands (USA) 

September 28: Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side 

October 5: Texas Tea 

October 12: Rob Snarski and Kiernan Box (The Blackeyed Susans Duo) 

October 19: Paul Heaton (The Housemartins, The Beautiful South) (UK) 

October 26: Rick Fights and The Trouble with Templeton 

November 2: Emma Louise 

For more information please visit www.qag.qld.gov.au/uplate 

Paul Heaton United Kingdom

EXHIBITION PUBLICATIONS 

‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’ is accompanied 

by a richly illustrated 304-page catalogue which will be an 

important adjunct to the exhibition. 

In addition to detailed entries on each work in the exhibition, fullcolour 

illustrations and artist biographies, it also includes two 

major essays. A Brief History of the Prado by Gabriele Finaldi, 

Deputy Director of the Museo del Prado provides a context to the 

works through an overview of the establishment of the museum 

and its collections. Exhibition curator Javier Portús, Chief Curator 

of Spanish Painting to 1700 at the Prado, contributes Some of 

Painting’s Places In Spain, 1550-1900 a detailed scholarly essay 

on the development of painting in Spain, as well as concise 

overviews of the three main thematic sections of the exhibition. 

Available from the QAGOMA Exhibition Shop and online at 

www.australianartbooks.com.au RRP: Softcover $49.95 / Limited 

edition hardcover $69.95 

Portrait of Spain for Kids 

'Pepe' the rabbit guides children through Portrait of Spain for 

Kids, a richly illustrated, hardcover book introducing some of the 

most significant artists represented by the Prado’s collection 

through ten selected art works. 

Portrait of Spain for Kids is the fourth children’s book published by 

QAGOMA and features full-page colour images, information 

about the artists, fun facts about Spanish history, culture and 

language, as well as instructions for at-home activities such as 

Spanish recipes. A major feature of this children’s publication is 

the inclusion of full-page colour plates of selected art works and 

profiles on artists. 

Available from the QAGOMA Exhibition Shop and online at 

www.australianartbooks.com.au RRP: $24.95

EDUCATION 

Continuing its commitment to making exhibitions accessible to students and teachers of all levels, the 

Gallery has developed a suite of education resources and programs to complement the ‘Portrait of Spain’ 

exhibition. 

Available online and in printed formats, the education resources include worksheets with accompanying 

teacher notes for use in the Gallery and classroom and a ‘Design your own Prado tour’ online activity. 

These resources focus on themes and selected art works within ‘Portrait of Spain’, and provide pre-visit and 

in-gallery material to support a self-guided class visit. Extension activities are available to provide 

opportunities for post-visit discussion and learning. 

A number of specialist education programs are available through the Gallery including: 

Secondary School Program │Term 3 | Limited capacity │Bookings essential Tuesdays, *Wednesdays 

and Thursdays │11.00am (*excluding 15 August) 

In this special program for secondary students, a Gallery curator discusses selected artists and themes in 

‘Portrait of Spain’. This free program provides a valuable introduction to the exhibition and includes images 

to assist student engagement. 

Look Out Teacher Program 

Saturday 28 July | 10.00am – 1.00pm | QAG & GOMA | Limited capacity | $35 | Bookings online 

This professional development opportunity for primary and secondary teachers includes a detailed 

presentation by a Gallery curator on the main themes and artists featured in ‘Portrait of Spain’. The session 

is followed by a hands-on workshop with a local artist, designed specifically for primary and secondary 

teaching levels. Morning tea is included. 

Art for our school 

Secondary teachers are invited to apply to work with a local contemporary artist to create an artwork for 

their school. Drawing from the works in ‘Portrait of Spain’, this program provides a secondary class and their 

teacher the unique opportunity to work alongside a practising artist at school. An application form is now 

available. Applications close at 5.00pm, Monday 13 August 2012. 

Education Group Bookings 

Bookings are required in advance for groups of ten or more. To arrange a school visit, contact the 

Education Bookings Office: 

T: (07) 3840 7255 E: educationbookings@qagoma.qld.gov.au W : qagoma.qld.gov.au/education/bookings 

Booked Student Group Ticket Price 

Children aged 12 years and under | FREE / Students aged 13–17 years | $10 

For further information about the Gallery’s education programs visit: qagoma.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/prado

‘PORTRAIT OF SPAIN’ FOOD & WINE 

Visitors to ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’ will have the opportunity to sample traditional 

Spanish cuisine at the Sala Café situated in La Sala del Prado. 

The tapas-style menu designed specifically for the Sala Café is accompanied by an extensive Spanish wine 

list including N.V Pere Ventura ‘Mas Pere’, Catalunya SP (cava also known as Spanish sparkling wine), 2010 

La Casa Verdejo, Castilla Y Leon SP (white wine) and 2008 Don Ramon Crianza, Temperanillo Granacha, 

Aragon SP (red wine) as well as a selection of Spanish sherry and beers. 

The Sala Café will also cater for children with a miniature tapas menu. 

The QAG Café, GOMA Café Bistro and GOMA Restaurant will each present a custom Spanish-themed dish 

on their winter menus to coincide with the exhibition. Some of the Spanish-inspired food on offer will include: 

QAG Café 

Salt and pepper squid with garlic aioli, shredded shallots and anchovies 

GOMA Café Bistro 

Paella nero with squid, spicy chorizo, free-range chicken, Australian tiger prawns and peas 

GOMA Restaurant 

Sliced Jamon de Serrano, roasted garlic, olives, capers and manchego cheese with olive oil, balsamic and 

toasted sourdough 

Paella nero, available at the GOMA Café Bistro

Adult $22 | Season Adult $66 

Concession $18 | Season Concession $54 

Members $17† | Season Member $51† 

Secondary Student $11 

Children (12 years and under) FREE 

Family (1–2 adults and children aged 13–17) $55 

EXHIBITION TICKETS AND PACKAGES 

Exhibition ticket desk closes at 4.00pm daily, the exhibition closes at 5.00pm 

Purchase in advance through QTIX on 136 246 

*Booking fees apply | †Discount available to QAGOMA Members and Foundation Members 

Family and Friends Group Offer 

Purchase nine tickets and get the tenth ticket free. Plus receive a 10% discount off the richly illustrated Portrait 

of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado publication. 

Valid for single adult and concession tickets, only available through QTIX Group Sales | T: (07) 3840 7466. 

Tapas Ticket Package 

Relax at the Sala Cafe with this package that includes a glass of wine, a selection of three tapas and an 

exhibition ticket. $45 per person. Available from the exhibition ticket desk or through QTIX. No group discounts 

available. 

Prado Lunch Package 

Complement your visit to ‘Portrait of Spain’ with lunch at the elegant GOMA restaurant. Enjoy a two-course set 

menu and a glass of Spanish wine or beer plus an exhibition ticket. $70 per person. 

Open 12 noon – 3.00pm Available from the exhibition ticket desk or through QTIX. 

Prado By Night | Corporate Package 

Prado By Night offers corporates the opportunity to experience an unforgettable evening with valued clients, 

colleagues and members with an exclusive after-hours package. Including exhibition entry and access to all on 

offer at La Sala del Prado, the evening is fully themed with Spanish-inspired food, wine and entertainment. 

For more information, please contact the Gallery's Catering Services and Events team: T: (07) 3842 9188 

E: catering@qagoma.qld.gov.au 

Travel Packages 

Hilton Brisbane Hotel 

The ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado Hilton Minibreak’ includes overnight accommodation in a 

refurbished Hilton Guest Room, breakfast in the Vintaged Bar + Grill and two tickets to the exhibition. 

Packages start from $268, based on twin share accommodation. 

For bookings visit www.hilton.com/brisbaneoffers or phone 1300 445 866 and quote ‘PR44PM’ 

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Virgin Australia 

Virgin Australia is offering special ‘Portrait of Spain’ deals including return airfares to Brisbane, two nights’ 

accommodation and entry to ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado’. For more information visit Blue 

Holidays 

Queensland Rail 

Queensland Rail’s Tilt Train is offering special packages for the ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the 

Prado’ exhibition. For more information, including details on the special Brisbane Exhibition Experience 

package, visit Queensland Rail Travel. 

Hotel Deals 

Diamant Hotel 

Portrait of Spain Package overnight accommodation in a Premier Room including welcome drink on arrival, 

two tickets to the exhibition, a la carte breakfast for two in OBar & Restaurant. Packages start from $249. 

Make a booking. 

Diamant Hotel Brisbane | 52 Astor Terrace, Brisbane 

Ibis Brisbane 

Art Lovers Package including accommodation for two, full buffet breakfast, two tickets to the exhibition, two 

glasses of Sangria and late check-out at 1.00pm. Packages start from $199. Make a booking. 

Ibis Brisbane | 27-35 Turbot Street, Brisbane 

Mercure Brisbane 


glasses of Sangria and late check-out at 1.00pm. 

Packages start from $219. Make a booking. 

Mercure Brisbane | 85-87 North Quay, Brisbane 

Novotel Brisbane 


glasses of Sangria and late check-out at 1.00pm. 


Novotel Brisbane | 200 Creek Street, Brisbane 

Oaks Charlotte Towers & Oaks Casino Towers 

Sleep in and Savour Spain Package including overnight accommodation in a spacious, one bedroom 

apartment, two tickets to the exhibition and late check-out of 11.00am. 

Packages start from $186 per night (minimum 2 night stay). Make a booking at Oaks Charlotte Towers or a 

booking at Oaks Casino Towers. 

Oaks Charlotte Towers | 128 Charlotte Street, Brisbane 

Oaks Casino Towers | 151 George Street, Brisbane 

The Sebel & Citigate King George Square Brisbane 

Art-Connoisseur Package including overnight accommodation, two tickets to the exhibition, buffet breakfast for 

two in Bistro Allure and late check-out of 12 noon. Packages start from $255. Make a booking. 

The Sebel & Citigate King George Square Brisbane | Cnr Ann & Roma Street, Brisbane 

Stamford Plaza Brisbane 

Art Lovers Package including overnight accommodation on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, buffet 

breakfast for two in The Brasserie on the River, complimentary car parking and two tickets to the exhibition. 


Stamford Plaza Brisbane | Cnr Edward St & Margaret St, Brisbane. 

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USE OF IMAGES AND COPYRIGHT 

The Queensland Art Gallery respects the rights of artists and copyright holders when providing images 

for media use. The Gallery provides images of selected artworks in the ‘Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces 

from the Prado’ exhibition to approved media representatives to communicate broadcast and 

reproduces for fair dealing purposes. Under the Copyright Act 1968, fair dealing covers criticism or 

review, and reporting the news. 

Images strictly for these purposes are available at www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/prado/media 

The responsibility for securing permission from the copyright holder for any additional purposes of 

image reproduction remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, any reproduction 

of these images must be accompanied by the full caption, including the credit line and the relevant 

copyright information, as provided with each image. 

Any party communicating, broadcasting or reproducing these images must not crop, distort or 

manipulate the images in any way. No images can be bled off the page, or printed in a single colour 

other than black, or overlaid with text. 

Copying, dissemination or redistribution of any image is strictly prohibited without prior written 

permission from the copyright holder. 

For images or further information regarding image use, please contact the Queensland Art Gallery. 

T: +61 7 3842 9563 

E: dan.cameron@qagoma.qld.gov.au


BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA 

21 JULY – 4 NOVEMBER 2012 

MEDIA INQUIRIES 

DAN CAMERON 

MEDIA COORDINATOR 


GALLERY OF MODERN ART 

T: +61 (0)7 3842 9563 

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Queensland Art Gallery - Queensland Government

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