First stop today was shopping, so he who left his shorts hanging in the wardrobe at home could buy some new ones. Excellent service from a man who, when he discovered we were from Australia, demonstrated the AFL goal umpires actions and especially the serious faces.
The Moda Hombre shop just happened to be near Chocolateria San Gines, the most famous churros and chocolate shop in Madrid so we didn't miss that opportunity. Founded in 1894, people queue to enjoy this Spanish treat.
Fortified, we headed off to the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, another art gallery. It contains one of the world's foremost and most distinguished art collections. Two generations of Thyssen-Bornemisza collected the art works and the Spanish state acquired the collection in 1993. A tour of the collection covers seven centuries of the history of painting.
What a collection! We enjoyed looking at works by Rubens, Van Gogh, Monet, Gaugan, Renoir, Picasso, Dali and a huge range of artists known and unknown to us. The last rooms contain a collection of 20th century work - Cubism, abstract art, Surrealism, Pop Art and post war figurative art. Something of a shock after Canaletto, Rembrandt, Dürer and co.
Here are works by a few of the most well known artists.
Carpaccio
Canaletto
Monet
Renoir
An art admirer in the cool of the gallery
I
Gaugin
Gaugin
Gaugin
Picasso
Matisse
Rembrandt - self portrait
Rubens
Renoir
Van Gogh
Matisse
Picasso
Dali
Miró
Roy Lichtenstein
A new discovery was Wassily Kandinsky. We particularly liked his earlier work but sadly I didn't take any photos.
With 36 degrees today we took full advantage of the siesta, then at 10 pm we went out to dinner. Actually we only went as far as H10 Bar below our apartment where they serve great Spanish food. Seafood and chicken paella and Spanish style nachos accompanied by a cold Verdhello and a mojito. Interestingly, tonight's wait staff were all from Venezuela.
We leave Madrid with very happy memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment