Spanish Royal Armor and Portraits

 

Location: The National Gallery Of Art 

THE ART OF POWER: Local arts patrons mingled with VIPs from Spain at the spectacular exhibit from the Spanish Royal Armory in Madrid, paired for the first time with magnificent court portraits by Rubens, Velásquez, van Dyck and other old master painters. PRECIOUS METALS: Fascinated guests studied the skillful “damascening” process of inlaid gold and silver design over steel on the ceremonial breastplates, helmets, and other armor worn by Spanish royals – protection which extended even to their horses’ saddles, faces, and tails.