Murillo's Lost Sketch Returns to the Prado After More Than a Century in France
The Prado Museum announced this Wednesday the discovery and upcoming exhibition of an original sketch by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, which served as a preliminary study for his renowned work "Saint Anne Giving a Lesson to the Virgin." This piece, missing since 1897, has been located and recovered after being publicly displayed in the French city of Pau, constituting a historic milestone in the recovery of Spanish artistic heritage 🇪🇸
Characteristics of the Recovered Sketch
The work, executed in oil on canvas of reduced dimensions, reveals the initial concept Murillo developed for this devotional scene, notable for its spontaneous brushstrokes and a warm chromatic palette typical of Andalusian Baroque. Specialists emphasize its dual value, both artistic and documentary, as it facilitates the analysis of the creative process of the Sevillian genius and its comparison with the final version housed in the Madrid museum.
Highlighted Technical Aspects:- Technique: Oil on canvas of smaller format
- Style: Sevillian Baroque with characteristic warm palette
- Importance: Allows for the study of the artist's creative evolution
The identification of this lost masterpiece represents a triumph for Spanish cultural heritage and international cooperation in artistic matters
Authentication and Repatriation Process
The verification of the sketch was carried out through exhaustive technical analyses and historical documentary research, confirming it corresponded to the specimen stolen from the palace of the Dukes of Montpensier. After complex diplomatic negotiations between the Spanish and French governments, the piece has been officially reintegrated into the national heritage and will be exhibited in the permanent room dedicated to Murillo, accompanying other representative works of his production.
Phases of the Recovery Process:- Identification through technical analyses and historical documentation
- Confirmation as the piece stolen from the Montpensier palace
- Diplomatic negotiations between Spain and France
Historical and Cultural Significance
It is especially significant that, after more than 120 years circulating in French territory, this artistic treasure has returned to its legitimate home at a particularly opportune moment for the Prado, which thus sees its permanent collection strengthened with a piece of incalculable historical and artistic value 🎨