The Prado Museum collection includes around 1,000 sculptures spanning various periods.
Notable pieces include royal portraits from the Renaissance, Baroque bronzes, and Neoclassical sculptures.
The collection expanded over time through acquisitions and private collections.
This guide will tell you about the renowned sculptures in the Prado Museum collection that you must visit, starting with the statue at the entrance gate.
1. The Bronze Statue of Diego Velazquez
Sculptor: Aniceto Marinas
Location: Main Entrance
Material: Bronze
The Prado Museum has four entrances, of which the main entrance has a marvelous statue of Diego Velazquez.
Diego Velazquez was a renowned artist of the Baroque period. His artworks are famous and featured in the Prado Museum.
The statue depicts Velazquez seated, holding his palette and brush, with a hand gesture mirroring his self-portrait in Las Meninas.
A work by Vicente Lampérez stands 1.90 meters high and is a cube made of white stone from Monovar.
2. Venus and Cupid
Sculptor: Gines Jose
Location: Currently Not on Display
Medium: Carrara Marble
This marble structure features Venus and Cupid and was created by the Spanish sculptor Gines.
This was commissioned by Charles IV for the Royal House of the Laboure in Aranjuez.
Despite not studying abroad, Ginés absorbed the Neoclassical style from other contemporary sculptures and by studying casts at the Academy of San Fernando.
3. Marble Sculptures by Alvarez Cubero
Alvarez Cubero trained in Rome and was appointed court sculptor by King Ferdinand in 1816.
A few sculptures made by Alvarez Cubero are part of the Prado Museum Collection.
Maria Isabel de Braganza, Queen of Spain
Material: Carrara marble
Location: Room 047
The sculpture shows the posthumous life-size statue of the Queen sitting on a chair adorned with figures of castles, lions, and lilies.
Ferdinand VII
Material: Carrara marble
Location: Room 064
In this sculpture, King Ferdinand VII (1784–1833), the eldest son of Charles IV, is portrayed wearing the symbol of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
See these Prado Museum sculptures with an expert guide and learn their backstory. Buy your tickets now!
4. Sculptures by Leone Leoni and Pompeo Leoni
Leone Leoni was an Italian sculptor of the 16th century known for his remarkable works in bronze, his usual medium.
Some sculptures of Emperor Carlos V and others he made are exhibited in the Prado Museum Collection.
Carlos V
Sculptors: Leone Leoni and Pompeo Leoni
Location: Room del Claustro
Material: Carrara marble
This larger-than-life statue portrays Emperor Carlos V with a sword in his right hand and gathering robes with his left hand, symbolizing the full extent of his royal authority.
Philip II
Sculptors: Leone Leoni and Pompeo Leoni
Location: Room del Claustro
Material: Bronze
The sculpture portrays Philip II, son of Carlos V, at the age of 24, carrying a baton in his left hand and a sword in his right hand, the handle of which is topped by an eagle´s head.
Empress Isabella of Portugal
Sculptors: Leone Leoni and Pompeo Leoni
Location: Room del Claustro
Material: Carrara marble
The sculpture depicts Empress Isabel of Portugal (1503–1539) in profile within an intricately sculpted frame with her attire and jewelry.
5. The Dauphin’s Treasure
Location: Toro Norte, second floor of the North (Goya) Wing in the Villanueva Building.
The Prado Museum also boasts a remarkable and diverse decorative arts collection comprising nearly 3,500 items.
Among its highlights are the 144 hardstone and carved rock crystal pieces known as The Dauphin’s Treasure, which Philip V inherited from his father’s side.
This collection provides insight into European sumptuary arts during the 16th and 17th centuries, symbolizing royal power and prestige.
This painting was acquired by museum officials in 1839 and displayed in the “Toro Norte,” a circular space on the third floor of the second floor of the North (Goya) Wing in the Villanueva Building.
6. The Miniature Collection
Almost 200 miniatures enrich the Prado Museum’s collection.
The delicate and intricate details captured by the artists in such small spaces are a true marvel.
These miniature masterpieces were created on various supports, such as ivory, vellum, oil on copper, enamel on copper, paper, etc.
The frames, designed to protect and showcase these miniature treasures, add to their overall charm and safety.
FAQs
What is the Prado Collection?
The Prado Museum Collection is an exceptional assembly of artworks that includes top-notch Spanish paintings—significant pieces from the Flemish and Italian schools and notable examples from the German, French, and English artistic traditions.
This collection’s quality and variety establish the Prado Museum as one of the world’s most renowned museums.
How many sculptures are in the Prado Museum?
The Prado Museum Collection consists of nearly 1,000 sculptures.
The earliest and most crucial part is from the Spanish Royal Collection.
It also includes works from different periods of the classical era, such as The Apotheosis of Claudius and The San Ildefonso Group.
Whose statue is in front of the Prado Museum?
The Statue of Diego Velazquez, a renowned artist of the Baroque period, is in front of the main gate of the Prado Museum in Madrid.
Diego Velazquez’s renowned works of art, such as the most popular Las Meninas and others, are on display at the Prado Museum.
What is the difference between the Prado exhibition and the collection? Prado Museum collection vs exhibitions
Prado Exhibition: A temporary showcase of a specific group of artworks from the Prado Collection, often with a particular theme or focus. These exhibitions change over time.
Prado Collection: All the artworks and items the Prado Museum owns and keeps permanently in its collection.
Featured Image: Museodelprado.es
