CÓRDOBA.- In honor of the 150th anniversary of the birth of painter Julio Romero de Torres (Córdoba, 1874–1930), the art world is being treated to a remarkable exhibition titled From the Spiritual to the Profane. This exhibition will showcase a significant collection of works by Ignacio Zuloaga (Eibar, Gipuzkoa, 1870–Madrid, 1945), currently housed at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. For a limited time, this collection will travel to Córdoba, Spain, to be displayed alongside the works of Julio Romero de Torres at the Julio Romero de Torres Museum. The exhibition aims to establish a dialogue between these two prominent figures of Spanish art, both of whom played an important role in shaping the country’s cultural identity during the early 1900s.

A Meeting of Masters

The exhibition, which runs from September 30 to December 1, 2024, will present visitors with an unprecedented opportunity to explore the artistic connections between these two painters. Despite their stylistic differences, both Zuloaga and Romero de Torres shared a deep commitment to the Spanish artistic tradition. They sought to incorporate this tradition into their works in ways that felt contemporary to their time, while also standing apart from the avant-garde movements that were sweeping across Europe at the time.

Zuloaga, best known for his dramatic portraiture and intense depiction of Spanish society, will be represented by nine paintings and two drawings loaned from the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. Among these works are some of Zuloaga’s most iconic pieces, including "Picador Gitano" (1903) and "El Cardenal" (1912). These paintings will hang alongside the works of Romero de Torres, including several pieces from the Córdoba City Council’s collection, in what organizers describe as “an unprecedented dialogue” between the two artists.

Tradition vs. Modernity

Although both artists achieved immense popularity during their careers, neither Zuloaga nor Romero de Torres subscribed to the emerging avant-garde movements that were captivating much of Europe in the early 20th century. Instead, they carved their own paths by drawing on classical Spanish techniques and themes, creating a style that was at once traditional and innovative. Both painters were deeply inspired by the Spanish Golden Age of painting, particularly the works of Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya, and were also heavily influenced by the landscapes and social conditions of Spain.

Zuloaga’s portraits are often somber, symbolic representations of the Spanish character, and he frequently chose to depict figures who represented the essence of the country’s past and present. His subjects ranged from nobility to everyday workers, and his work often explored the tension between Spain’s rural and urban identities. Romero de Torres, on the other hand, is famous for his mystical and sensual portraits of Andalusian women, often representing a blend of both spiritual and profane elements. His depictions of women are often set against idyllic, symbolic backgrounds, embodying a complex mixture of beauty, tradition, and deep emotional resonance.

Shared Artistic Obsessions

One of the major thematic elements of this exhibition is how both artists expressed their obsessions with the human figure. Zuloaga’s focus was often on the interplay between the human form and the stark landscapes of rural Spain, while Romero de Torres frequently placed his figures against more ornate, allegorical backgrounds. Yet, despite these differences, both men were driven by a fascination with the duality of human experience — the spiritual and the earthly, the sacred and the sensual.

Zuloaga and Romero de Torres were often criticized for their refusal to adopt avant-garde trends. Nonetheless, their ability to distill traditional Spanish art into a modern and recognizable style gained them significant acclaim and numerous commissions during their lifetimes. This exhibition aims to present their works in a contemporary context, inviting visitors to reconsider these artists through a modern lens.

A Historical Connection

This exhibition will also serve as a reminder of the historical connections between these two artists. In 1919, Romero de Torres held his first solo exhibition at the Majestic Hall in Bilbao. This event marked a turning point in his career, linking him to a broader artistic community that extended beyond his native Córdoba. Today, more than a century later, From the Spiritual to the Profane seeks to reconnect these two figures in a way that highlights their shared contributions to Spanish art.

The exhibition, organized by the Córdoba City Council, is set to be held at the Vimcorsa Exhibition Hall in Córdoba. It will offer visitors a chance to experience the works of Zuloaga and Romero de Torres side by side, allowing for new interpretations and a deeper understanding of their legacies. For those interested in Spanish art, this event promises to be a milestone in celebrating the richness of the country's artistic heritage.

In a time when both the spiritual and the profane coexist in modern art, this exhibition bridges the gap between the past and present, illustrating how the work of these two masters continues to resonate in today’s cultural landscape.