Watch the short lecture on Jusepe de Ribera’s artwork at the top of the page.
Are you planning a trip to Madrid and looking for top-rated cultural attractions? Look no further than the Prado Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and depth of Jusepe de Ribera’s masterpiece Magdalena Ventura with Her Husband and Son.
Jusepe de Ribera, also known as Jose de Ribera, was a prominent Spanish painter who spent most of his adult life in Italy. Influenced by Caravaggio’s tenebrism and Raphael, Ribera was known for his realistic depictions of human suffering, skillfully conveyed through his dramatic use of light and shadow.
One of Ribera’s most notable paintings, Magdalena Ventura with Her Husband and Son, also known as The Bearded Lady, is part of the Fundación Casa Ducal de Medinaceli collection and is currently on display at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. In the painting, Ventura proudly displays her facial hair, which she grew from the age of 37, while standing and nursing her baby with her husband in the shadows behind her.
The Prado National Museum in Madrid, designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785, is housed in one of the most magnificent buildings in the city. The museum’s collection contains paintings by Spanish artists from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including El Greco, Goya, and Velazquez.
In the accompanying video, available at the top of the page, art expert Jonathan Hirschfeld highlights how The Bearded Lady serves as a prime example of the humanistic approach of 17th-century Spanish painters. The piece captures the empathy of Spanish painters for vulnerable and marginalized members of society, showcasing a new sense of self with universal characteristics that emerged in history.
To explore this fascinating artwork in more detail, be sure to watch the accompanying video. And while you’re at the Prado Museum, be sure to check out the other renowned masterpieces by Spanish artists that have been collected and preserved for centuries. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply a curious traveler, the Prado Museum is a must-visit destination that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history of Spanish art.
Are you planning a trip to Madrid and seeking the best cultural experiences in art, design, and theater? Look no further! Explore the Culture Treasures travel guide to Madrid for insider tips on top galleries, museums, design spaces, and theaters. Discover Madrid’s vibrant creative scene and make your visit truly unforgettable with our curated recommendations.
