Madrid History Museum showcases the artistic legacy of two historic patrons

The exhibition features works by Goya and Flemish masters donated by two pioneering women in philanthropy.

Generic image of an exhibition hall in a historical museum.
IA

Generic image of an exhibition hall in a historical museum.

The Madrid History Museum is hosting an exhibition until September 23rd that honors the philanthropic work of two women who dedicated their fortunes to the education of orphans.

The exhibition, titled Goya and the Italian and Flemish schools. A century of philanthropy by Carlota de Santamarca and Antonia González, allows the public to view a selection of highly valuable heritage pieces. These works were part of the legacy of two figures who, nearly a century ago, established care and education centers for underprivileged children in the capital.
Among the main attractions of the collection are six oil paintings by Francisco de Goya, known as Children's Games, painted between 1785 and 1786. These pieces offer a detailed glimpse into daily life during the Enlightenment in Spain, capturing scenes of children playing in various settings.
The artistic journey is complemented by examples of 17th-century Flemish painting, featuring artists such as Frans Snyders or Paul de Vos, as well as works from the Italian school, including the monumental Flight into Egypt by Luca Giordano. The Madrid Baroque is also represented through canvases by authors such as Bartolomé Carducho and Vicente Carducho.
The exhibition, which is free to visit, spans over three centuries of European art history. In addition to the paintings, it includes portraits and marble busts that document the lives and social commitment of the two patrons, whose generosity helped preserve this artistic collection for the city.