"The Book of Kings" and other notable pieces from the Balearic heritage are on display in the exhibition "In the Italian Style: Spain and Mediterranean Gothic (1320–1420)," which opened this Monday at the Prado Museum.
According to a statement from the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, highlights of the exhibition include 'The Book of Kings,' housed in the Archive of Mallorca, and the 'Altarpiece of Santa Quiteria,' attributed to Joan Loert, as well as the 'Crucifixion Panel,' attributed to Arnau Bassa and his workshop, both of which belong to the collection of the Museum of Mallorca.
In addition, the following works have been loaned for the exhibition: the altarpiece of Saint Clare, from the Museum of Sacred Art of Mallorca; marble sculptures of the Annunciation that were part of the main altarpiece at the Sanctuary of Lluc; the 'Panel of Saint Clare Enthroned' and the small panel depicting a crucifixion with Saint Francis, from the Monastery of Santa Clara in Palma; and the 'Mare de Déu del Palacio de la Almudaina,' which is housed at the Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon.
All these pieces will be part of a collection of some one hundred works in various media, including painting, sculpture, goldsmithing, illuminated manuscripts, drawings, embroidery, and silk textiles, among others, from 31 Spanish and 25 foreign institutions that will bring the exhibition to life.
The exhibition explores how the arrival of Italian artists and works transformed the art of the peninsular kingdoms during the Late Middle Ages, which, according to the Regional Ministry, left a “decisive” mark on the visual culture of Mediterranean Gothic art.