Drawing Modernity (1864-1968) Drawings in the Fundación Mapfre and San Telmo Museoa Collections

Drawing is one of the most unadorned and silent art forms—closest to the impulses and states of the unconscious, and thus one of the purest and most primal. At the same time, it is extremely fragile, sensitive to light, and delicate to handle; this makes its preservation, collection, and exhibition challenging. Viewing the collection of drawings in this exhibition becomes an exceptional and intimate experience.

From the late 19th century onwards, some artists began to draw in the same way they painted, gradually shifting the perception of drawing itself. In many instances, it remained a link in the creative process, serving as a foundation for other works; in others, however, it became a work of art in its own right, capable of illustrating the very nature of modernity. Exhibitions like this one accord drawing the status it deserves, offering us the chance to enjoy works by great artists—such as those held in the Fundación Mapfre Collections. Figures like Mariano Fortuny, Juan Gris, Maruja Mallo, and Pablo Picasso—to name but a few—worked on the international stage and were familiar with the work of masters such as Edgar Degas, Auguste Rodin, and Egon Schiele, all of whom are also represented in the exhibition.

These are complemented by works from the San Telmo collection, spanning the period covered by the exhibition: from 1868 to the 1960s. The selection includes pieces by internationally renowned artists such as Ignacio Zuloaga, José María Sert, and Joaquín Sorolla, alongside works by key figures in the history of Basque art, including Aurelio Arteta, Nicolás Lekuona, María Paz Jiménez, and Mari Puri Herrero. Also on display are lesser-known works that are nonetheless of great interest due to their technical quality, aesthetic and documentary value, and their relevance to the social and cultural context of their time.

Curator: Leyre Bozal Chamorro
Organiation and production:  Fundación Mapfre, San Telmo Museoa

Guided tours and activities

The museum has organized activities around the exhibition and the topics it addresses: guided tours, conferences, screenings, performances...

• Check the activities here (in spanish)

Resources

• Bibliography on the subject in the San Telmo Museum library.
• Visually impaired individuals will be able to download adapted exhibition texts to their mobile phones to experience the exhibition, thanks to the collaboration of Asociación Begiris. Download the text in english (.doc)