“Spirit and Splendor” at the Blanton Depicts Devotion & Empire | Glasstire

Spirit and Splendor: Devotion and Empire at the Blanton

Courtney Thomas highlights masterworks from The Hispanic Society Museum & Library on display at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin. The exhibition, Spirit and Splendor: El Greco, Velázquez, and the Hispanic Baroque, showcases masterpieces from Spain’s rise as a Catholic Empire and runs from August 24, 2025, to February 1, 2026.

Exhibition Theme and Context

The show reflects the Spanish Hapsburg monarchy’s expansionist ambitions and its dedication to promoting a richly decorative counter-reformation style in religious art worldwide. It reveals Spain's influence both politically and artistically during this pivotal era.

Artistic Influences and Collection Highlights

The presence of Italianate and Dutch styles within this predominantly Hispanic art display underscores Spain’s vast influence throughout Europe. The exhibition opens with the striking Portrait of Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Third Duke of Alba (1549), painted by Flemish artist Anthonis Mor van Dashorst, known as Antonio Moro, the court painter to Philip II.

“Portrait of Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Third Duke of Alba (1549) by Anthonis Mor van Dashorst depicts the power and command of the sitter, who served as viceroy of Naples and Portugal and governor of Milan and the Netherlands during his long career.”

This portrait symbolizes the reach and authority of Spain’s empire through the figure of the Duke of Alba, a key political and military leader.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition offers a vivid glimpse into Spain's imperial power and artistic heritage during the Baroque period.

Author's Summary

This exhibition reveals how Spain’s imperial ambitions shaped a rich, ornate artistic style, blending European influences to assert religious and political dominance.

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Glasstire Glasstire — 2025-11-04

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