Look out for these underrated artworks at the Museo del Prado

Caravaggio depicted the biblical event of David defeating Goliath multiple times throughout his career. The painting that hangs in room A of the Museo Del Prado is one of the lesser known studies of this story by the italian artist, his other more famous iterations can be found in the Kunsthistorische Museum in Vienna and The Borghese Gallery in Rome, respectively. 

The Prado’s David with the Head of Goliath is rather peculiar in its depiction of the event, considering the other two paintings show the boy standing firmly holding up the giant’s severed head. In this rendition, the boy is crouching down over Goliath, his face shadowy, in what is a much more small-scale, almost intimate, depiction of that moment. 

One of the more overlooked works in Caravaggio’s canon, doubts still persist as to the painting’s origins and attribution to Caravaggio has not always been unanimous. You can read more about the painting and its history here. 

Like many of El Greco’s paintings, The Annunciation breathes newness into a beloved biblical scene. 

An almost expressionist interpretation of the scene, El Greco’s soft brushstrokes and composition makes for a dream-like representation of the Annunciation, a passage from the New Testament where Mary is told about her unexpected pregnancy. The impressive compassion in Angel Gabriel’s expression and the vivid colours of the character’s clothes, paired with the luminous atmosphere makes this painting stand out among other artistic depictions of this passage. The remarkable distance El Greco managed to create between this painting and other more typical canvases of the era is pronounced and allows viewers to experience art of the 1600s in a very different way. A fascinating painter who created fascinating paintings, The Annunciation is not to be overlooked during your trip to the Prado. And if you’re feeling curious, keep an eye out for the symbolism peppered throughout the painting, as well as in El Greco’s other works on display at the museum. You’ll find The Annunciation in room 010B of the Prado.  

This endearing piece was sadly left unfinished due to the untimely death of its author. Located in room 063B of the museum, the painting completely pulls you in through its incredible warmth and softness. The scene depicts the painter’s children, Mariano and Maria Luisa, as they rest on a divan in the Japanese room of the family’s summer home. The scene is tender and inviting and familiar. It’s hard not to find yourself being absorbed by the warmth pouring out the canvas, emphasised by little Maria Luisa dramatically fanning herself as she rests her head against a bright red pillow that appears entirely too large for her small frame. There’s something so nostalgic and dreamy about these small children existing in this world built for adults, they almost look like small fairies, interfering on a disproportionately large human universe. Pay attention to the Japanese influences on Fortuny’s style, characterised as “bohemian savagery” by Edward Sullivan. The flow and harmony of the colours evoke a refreshing take on a domestic scene, one that is simultaneously melancholic and joyful, and almost has a hazy veil washing over it. Fortuny’s “Fantasy on Faust” is another collection highlight for us so do keep an eye out for both of these as you wander the halls of the Prado.

The NH Madrid Atocha is a short walk from the Prado, perfect for getting some rest after spending the day exploring the galleries. The hotel is clean and simple and offers guests a comfortable and convenient stay.