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The Thyssen-Bornemisza

A Curated Journey Through European Art History

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Introduction

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, known colloquially as the Thyssen, is a premier art institution located in Madrid, Spain. Situated adjacent to the Prado Museum along the Paseo del Prado, it forms a vital component of the city's renowned "Golden Triangle of Art," alongside the Prado and the Reina Sofía museums.

The museum's collection masterfully bridges historical gaps present in its neighboring institutions. It showcases significant works from periods such as Italian primitives and the English, Dutch, and German schools, which are less represented in the Prado. Concurrently, it provides comprehensive coverage of Impressionist, Expressionist, and early 20th-century European and American art movements, areas central to the Reina Sofía's holdings.

Location and Scope

Housed within the historic Palace of Villahermosa, the museum's collection comprises over 1,600 works, historically ranking as the second-largest private art collection globally. Its establishment in Madrid followed a rigorous selection process, culminating in its official opening in 1992.

The museum's strategic location and its comprehensive collection make it an indispensable cultural landmark, offering a rich narrative of European artistic evolution. Its official website is www.museothyssen.org.

A Legacy of Art Collecting

Genesis of the Collection

The foundation of the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection was laid in the 1920s by Heinrich, Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon. He initiated the acquisition of European paintings, notably securing works from American collectors who were navigating the economic challenges of the Great Depression. This strategic sourcing allowed him to acquire significant Old Master pieces, including Ghirlandaio's portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni and Carpaccio's "Knight in a Landscape."

Expansion and Relocation

The collection's scope was substantially broadened by Heinrich's son, Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza (1921–2002). He consolidated works from family collections and significantly expanded the holdings to encompass art from the Gothic period through to contemporary artists like Lucian Freud. Initially housed in the family's estate in Lugano, Switzerland, the collection's future home became a subject of discussion when expansion plans in Lugano were rejected.

Following his marriage to Carmen "Tita" Cervera, a former Miss Spain, the Baron was persuaded to relocate the core of his collection to Spain. The Spanish government provided a suitable building adjacent to the Prado Museum, leading to the establishment of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, which opened its doors in 1992.

Government Acquisition and Loans

The Spanish Government acquired 775 works from the collection for $350 million, solidifying its presence in Madrid. Subsequently, Carmen Cervera loaned a significant portion of her personal art collection, comprising 429 works, to the museum. These loans, initially for 11 years, were renewed annually on a free basis until 2021, when a formal agreement was reached for a 15-year loan with an annual fee.

  • 1920s: Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza begins assembling his private art collection.
  • 1980s: Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza expands the collection and seeks a new location.
  • 1992: The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum opens in Madrid, housing the core collection.
  • 1993: The Spanish Government purchases a significant portion of the collection.
  • 1999-2021: Carmen Cervera loans her collection, significantly enriching the museum's offerings.
  • 2021: A formal loan agreement is finalized, securing the collection for 15 years.

The Collection's Breadth

Eight Centuries of Artistry

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum's collection is celebrated for its extensive chronological range, spanning approximately eight centuries of European painting. Rather than aiming for encyclopedic completeness, the collection focuses on presenting a curated selection of significant European artistic achievements.

This approach ensures that the museum complements the collections of its neighbors, the Prado and Reina Sofía, by filling historical and stylistic gaps. It offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Western art.

Key Artistic Movements

The collection is particularly strong in areas that provide a counterpoint to other major Madrid galleries:

  • Early European Masters: Featuring Italian primitives and significant contributions from the English, Dutch, and German schools.
  • Impressionism and Post-Impressionism: Showcasing seminal works by artists who defined these revolutionary movements.
  • Expressionism: Offering an extensive display of German Expressionism, a critical area of modern art.
  • 20th-Century Art: Including avant-garde European and American paintings, Cubism, and abstract art.

Collection Highlights

Renaissance and Baroque

The museum boasts an impressive array of works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, featuring:

  • Early Italian: Duccio, Ghirlandaio (Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni), Carpaccio (Knight in a Landscape), Fra Angelico, Bellini, Bramantino, Bronzino, Caravaggio (Saint Catherine).
  • Northern European Masters: Jan van Eyck (Annunciation Diptych), Petrus Christus (Madonna of the Dry Tree), Robert Campin, Hans Memling, Albrecht Dürer (Christ among the Doctors), Hans Holbein the Younger (Portrait of Henry VIII), Lucas Cranach the Elder.
  • Baroque Luminaries: Titian, Tintoretto, El Greco, Rembrandt, Frans Hals (Family Group in a Landscape), Rubens, Van Dyck.

Impressionism to Modernism

The collection prominently features the transition into modern art, with significant works by:

  • Impressionists: Claude Monet (The Thaw at Vétheuil), Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro (Rue Saint-Honoré, in the Afternoon, Effect of Rain), Alfred Sisley, Berthe Morisot.
  • Post-Impressionists: Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh (Les Vessenots à Auvers).
  • 20th Century Avant-Garde: Including Cubist works by Picasso and Braque, Fauvism, German Expressionism (Kirchner, Beckmann, Dix), Surrealism (Dalí, Magritte), and American Modernism (Edward Hopper).

Notable Transactions

Constable's "The Lock"

In 2012, Carmen Cervera decided to sell John Constable's renowned painting, "The Lock," from her private collection. The artwork, acquired in 1990, was sold at Christie's in London for £22.4 million, significantly exceeding its initial purchase price and highlighting the substantial value within the collection.

Notes and Citations

Reference Information

The information presented here is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia. Detailed citations are managed programmatically and linked via the placeholder below.

Further Reading:

  • José Manuel Pita Andrade & María del Mar Barochia Guerrero. Maestros antiguos del Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. 1994. 3a ed. Lunwerg editores. ISBN 84-88474-02-4

Authority Control

Identifiers

Standardized identifiers for cataloging and referencing:

  • ISNI: 0000000121642115
  • VIAF: 135949719
  • GND: 5087058-0
  • LCCN: nr95022080
  • BnF: cb12456652h
  • NDL: 00829333
  • ULAN: 500302400

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly accessible data. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum.

This is not art historical advice. The content presented here is not a substitute for professional consultation with art historians, curators, or museum professionals. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and completeness based on the source material, users should consult official museum resources and academic literature for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.