Museum of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando

The Museum of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, located in the heart of Madrid, is an institution that embodies centuries of history and artistic culture. Founded in 1752, this museum and academy has not only played a crucial role in artistic education in Spain, but has also amassed an extraordinary collection that reflects the evolution of European art from the Renaissance to the present day. The building that houses the museum is a masterpiece of architecture in itself. Designed by the neoclassical architect Diego de Villanueva, it has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries to accommodate the growing collections and activities of the academy. The building’s facade, with its elegant lines and sober decorations, reflects the grandeur and solemnity of the institution. The museum’s permanent collection is impressive and varied, including over 1,400 paintings, 600 sculptures, and thousands of drawings, prints, and decorative arts. Among the exhibited masterpieces are works by artists such as Francisco de Goya, who was also the director of the academy. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Goya’s works, including famous portraits and the renowned “El entierro de la sardina,” which captures the vibrancy and complexity of Spanish society at his time. The museum’s collection is not limited to Spanish art. It also features works by great European masters such as Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and Van Dyck, offering an overview of European art from the Renaissance to the Baroque. These works are presented in a context that allows for an appreciation of the mutual influences between Spanish artists and their European contemporaries. One of the most fascinating sections of the museum is dedicated to sculpture. Here, one can admire works by artists such as Mariano Benlliure and José Ginés, whose works showcase the evolution of Spanish sculpture from the 18th to the 20th century. The precision and expressiveness of these sculptures offer an intense visual experience, making tangible the technical mastery of the artists. An interesting anecdote concerns Francisco de Goya, who in addition to being a prolific painter, was also an engraver and tapestry creator. His connection to the academy was deep: not only did he study there, but he later became director, influencing many generations of Spanish artists. His works, characterized by an extraordinary ability to capture the human spirit and social tensions of his time, are among the most appreciated by museum visitors. The museum also offers a valuable library and archive, containing manuscripts, historical documents, and a vast collection of art books. These resources are accessible to scholars and researchers, contributing to making the museum an important research center on Spanish and European art and culture.