Since late February, the Prado Museum has been preparing to enrich its artistic offerings with the presentation of a prominent work by the celebrated Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens: “The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew.” This exhibition aligns with the renovation of the headquarters of the Carlos de Amberes Foundation, an institution dedicated to the dissemination of European culture and values.
The work, commissioned by Jan Van Vucht, a Flemish resident in Madrid who worked as an agent for the famous Antwerp printer Balthasar Moretus, was originally conceived to be donated to the Hospital of Saint Andrew of the Flemish. This hospital is considered the precursor of the current Carlos de Amberes Foundation. In his will, Van Vucht clearly stated his desire for a specific frame for the painting, which is based on an original sketch by Rubens that has managed to survive until today.
The arrival of “The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew” at the Prado will not only enrich the visitors’ experience, but also emphasize the historical and cultural connection between the masterpieces of Flemish art and their legacy on the Iberian Peninsula. With this new addition, the museum reinforces its commitment to promoting Europe’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Source: MiMub in Spanish