Guided tours of the halls of Spanish and Italian painting

A study of Spanish and Italian painting

• The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg presents a unique collection of Spanish and Italian paintings, taking visitors on an amazing journey through the works of art of the XV - early XIX century. Spanish artists of this period occupy a special place in the Hermitage Collection, providing a unique look at the history and culture of Spain.
• El Greco, Velasquez and Goya - names that have become legendary in the art world, are represented in the Hermitage by several canvases. Francisco de Goya's exceptional work, Portrait of Actress Antonia Zarate, is a new acquisition donated by Armand Hammer, thereby restoring part of the historical collection.
• Diego Velasquez, the great portrait painter and master of chiaroscuro, is represented by two early works, as well as a portrait of Count Duke Olivares, the first minister. The works of his workshop and followers also contribute to the richness of the collection.
• The Hermitage Gallery is also dominated by the works of Domenikos Theotokopoulos, known as El Greco. His masterpiece "The Apostles Peter and Paul" is an unsurpassed work, marking the first period of the artist's work on the Iberian Peninsula.
• Despite the historical challenges associated with sales during periods of instability, the Hermitage retains the wealth of its collection, including works by such great masters as Rubens, Van Dyck, Jan van Eyck, Titian, Rembrandt and Raphael, inviting visitors to a fascinating immersion in art and history.