The Cortes of Castilla y León have published the Catalog of works of art of the Regional Parliament, with a selection of works of art 74 Castilian and Leonese artists out of the more than 400 existing in the institutionbecause the building houses probably the most important modern art museum in the Community, with paintings, sculptures, photographs, furniture and textiles from the 50s of the last century. All citizens and art lovers will be able to contemplate this precious heritage with three guided tours of the main rooms and corridors in November and as many in December, which can be extended until 2025, depending on the reception.
The collection houses works, mostly large in size, by the leading artists of pictorial abstraction, such as Modesto Ciruelos, José Manuel Díaz-Caneja, Luis Sáez, Esteban Vicente and María José Castañoand figuratives like Sánchez-Carralero, Cuasante, Ricardo Sánchez and Vela Zanetti. In sculpture, the works of artists such as Baltasar Lobo, Venancio Blanco, Coomonte and Ana Jiménez and Photography includes works such as those of Angel Marcos, Amaya Hernandez or the Burgos ‘Sacrifice’as well as “Color Abstractions” by Nunez Larrazfirst photographer to obtain the Castilla y León de las Artes prize.
The presentation of the catalog took place today in the reception room of the regional Parliament. The chosen location is a declaration of intentions since in this space some of the most important works of the Cortes are hung such as the oil painting ‘Abstraction’ by Luis Sáez, the painting ‘Red and Purple’ by Esteban Vicente, ‘The Landscape’ by Díaz-Caneja, ‘Landscape with Hills’ by Cuadrado Lomas, ‘Structure’ by Ciruelos and ‘Véspers II/Monasterio de Carracedo’ by Carralero. “The best of the best is in this room, with a selection of the most outstanding representations of abstraction from the Community,” said the art historian and person responsible for creating the catalog, Beatriz Sánchez Valdelvira.
The Catalogue, printed in approximately 400 copies, also includes the only three old works such as the ‘Mosaic of Pitchers’ (4th century), hung in the hemicycle; “The Communards of Castile” (1887) by Juan Planella y Rodríguez and ‘Battle of Villalar‘ (1887) by Manuel Pícolo y López, which are in the main room.
The President of the Cortes, Carlos Pollanadvocated that the works of art housed in the building be viewed and admired not only by the institution’s lawyers and staff, but also by all people interested in art and knowing “what’s here “. It is not in vain that he emphasized that it is the “home” of all Castilians and Leonese. In this sense, he recalled, as reported by the Ical Agency, that this initiative is part of the desire to open the doors of Cortés, beyond April 23, a community holiday. Something that is reflected in the numerous activities organized during the year 2024 for different audiences. He cited the children’s carnival, the Easter concert, the live recording of the most listened to historical podcast, the conferences, the outdoor cultural activities in summer or the craft workshops in Castilla y León. “It’s one of my obligations and I hope to fulfill it,” he said.
Pollán recalled that the Cortes have two fundamental functions such as making laws and controlling executive power, but they are also characterized by having one of the main art collections in Castile and León. What Sánchez Valdelvira confirmed when he assured that it was the “best place” to get an idea of modern art in the Community. “You don’t have to go to a museum,” he said.
He explained that the Catalog of Works of Art of the Cortes of Castilla y León was created after the preparation of an inventory and evaluation of the state of conservation of the works of art that the Regional Parliament owns. In total, almost 200 works, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, furniture, photographs and graphic works, are exhibited in the Cortes facilities and of which 74 have been selected, notably by Castilian and Leonese artists .
According to the author herself, The Catalog allows you to take a tour of contemporary art from the Community from the 1950s to the present day.for which they are presented chronologically. He even clarified that the Cortes have works that come from grants and awards, so young artists are also represented. In this sense, he clarified that there is graffiti. He also appreciated the guided tours, which will be adapted to the type and age of visitors and which, in his opinion, will complement the cultural offer of Valladolid.
