Return Journey: Art of the Americas in Spain


Patronage of the Virgin Immaculate over the Children of the Viceroy Count of Lemos (detail; c. 1672), workshop of Francisco de Escobar.

Completing their tornaviaje, Spanish explorers took back with them a host of artworks from the New World. These ranged from topographical depictions of unfamiliar landscapes to zealous depictions of conquest, and from glittering decorative objects to private, devotional images. This exhibition at the Prado Museum in Madrid (5 October–13 February 2022) considers the influence of these works upon European art, as they arrived in Spain before spreading out through the continent. Find out more from the Prado’s website.

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here 

Monstrance (1700–27), workshop of Quito. Muy Antigua, Pontificia, Real e Ilustre Hermandad Sacramental de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, Granada

Monstrance (1700–27), workshop of Quito.

Marian Harquebusier Angel (c. 1760), Peruvian workshop. Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Allende, Diócesis de Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño, Ezacaray, La Rioja

Marian Harquebusier Angel (c. 1760), Peruvian workshop.

Taxidermy crocodile (mid 18th century). Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, Parroquia matriz de San Marcos Evangelista, Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife

Taxidermy crocodile (mid 18th century).

Patronage of the Virgin Immaculate over the Children of the Viceroy Count of Lemos (c. 1672), workshop of Francisco de Escobar. Monasterio de Santa Clara, Monforte de Lemos, Lugo

Patronage of the Virgin Immaculate over the Children of the Viceroy Count of Lemos (c. 1672), workshop of Francisco de Escobar.