Barcelona is the birthplace of world renowned artists that have let a visible trace of the genius of their art. In this article, you will discover the top 5 of the most important artworks in Barcelona that you must see.
- Science and Charity – Picasso
- The Apse of Sant Climent – MNAC Museum
- “Together We Can Stop AIDS” by Keith Haring
- Carmela – Jaume Plensa
- A Miro piece – Morning star – Miró Foundation
1. Science and Charity – Picasso
During cholera epidemic in Picasso’s home town, he decided to paint one of his first artworks named Science and Charity (1896-1897) at only 15 years old.
This painting, measuring 197cm by 249.5cm, shows a doctor devoid of all emotion and a gentle and compassionate nun. Between these two emblematic figures is the patient who seems to find comfort in the nun who delicately hands her a drink while the doctor watches the woman’s pulse.
This artwork inspired by Picasso’s father, who posed as a doctor, has been presented at the Exposicion General de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1897. Shortly afterwards, he was awarded a gold medal in the province of Malaga.
The Science and Charity painting has sparked a controversy and raise awareness in the doctor community, asking the health professional to find a balance between authority and compassion.
If you want to visit this incredible painting, you can book a ticket on the Museo Picasso website.
2. The Apse of Sant Climent – MNAC Museum
The Apse of Sant Climent de Taüll from the unknown Master of Taüll is a masterpiece of the European Romanesque painted during the 12th century. This wonderful fresco represents the Christ holding a book in His left hand entitled: « EGO SUM LUX MUNDI » which means “I am the light of the world” written in the Gospel of John . Beside Him, we can notice four important characters of the Bible, the evangelist Matthew, John, Mark and Luke.
This artwork is visible in the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona. You can book online ticket by clicking here.
3. “Together We Can Stop AIDS” by Keith Haring
“Together We Can Stop AIDS” is an impressive mural of 2m x 30m ****created by Keith Haring in 1989 who was invited to paint for the ARCO contemporary art festival.
This drawing shows a red snake holding a syringe terrifying a group of people. The Haring’s mural has quickly succumbed to the ravages of time and graffiti artists covered it with their drawings. That is why MACBA contemporary art museum has decided to recreate this artwork a hundred metres from its original location in 2014.
On their website you could find all the information you need to see the Karing’s artwork.
4. Carmela – Jaume Plensa
Carmela is a magnificent iron sculpture created by Jaume Plensa in 2015. This sculpture has been realised from a photo of an adolescent girl and reproduced in three dimensions: 450 x 170 x 51 cm.
During the exposition of this artwork, Plensa said about Carmela: “Carmela represents a girl from Barcelona, a Mediterranean beauty, a timeless beauty, from both past and future, who perhaps has not yet discovered that she is interested in art.”
If you want to see this sculpture in real, you can go on the Jaume Plensa website for more information.
5. A Miro piece – Morning star – Miró Foundation
Morning star is one of the most important artworks of Joan Miro and you will understand the reasons that led him to paint this masterpiece.
In 1939, Miro decided to leave Paris with his family and to move to a peaceful village in Normandy. That is here, that he began the Constellation collection in which Morning star belongs. However, the war gained ground and German troops began to invade France. So, he decided once again to leave France for Mallorca in Spain where he continued to paint this mysterious collection. Then, he finished this series in his home town where he painted the last three paintings.
All the paintings of the Constellation collection reflect undeniably his feeling of escape. And, the universe of the cosmos was his new watchword for this series. Actually, we can notice different celestial elements like stars linked with fine lines. On top of that, these black shapes contrast with the touches of blue and red that he applies sparingly. For him, painting was a real escape that enabled him to survive the darkest moments of his life.
If you want to discover this incredible painting, you can go to the Miro Foundation.
A final brushstroke
Finally, through their work, artists always reveal a part of their personality and sensibility, which makes them all the more extraordinary. Barcelona is full of artistic treasures and incredible artworks created by the artists we all know. Come to Barcelona to discover these 5 most important artworks that are sure to amaze you.