So….instead of writing my usual travel postings, I’m going to post one photo a day with a a little bit of context. Today’s photo was taken in Madrid’s Prado Museum. The painting is “Las Meninas,” by Diego Velazquez. It’s a very complex portrait of a Spanish family that creates an uncertain relationship between the viewer and the figures in the painting. I loved it even more after seeing the many ways Picasso deconstructed it in paintings that are exhibited in Barcelona. You can learn more about them here https://kimmie53.com/2020/03/07/catalunyas-many-free-spirits/#more-13292 or here https://www.infobae.com/cultura/2020/10/07/la-belleza-del-dia-las-meninas-de-pablo-picasso/.
I didn’t know it at the time, but photographing “Las Meninas” is prohibited. Those people in the photo turned around when the security guard yelled at me. A photo of that would have been much more interesting!
Camino Milagro 
Museums have varying policies about photographing. It seems to be allowed, for instance, in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum, which contains huge numbers of paintings and other objects.
Yes, I think it’s allowed most places I’ve been as long as there is no flash. 🙂
I’m looking forward to your daily pic and stories Kim. It could be an interesting turn in your blog journey.
I know many museums prohibit photos to be taken with a flash in order to protect the paintings from excessive light exposure, but wasn’t aware that some totally prohibit photos even without using a flash.
I think it’s uncommon to prohibit all photography. Not sure why some do….
I took a photo in the Prado of a professional copyist copying, in oil, a famous painting. She set up her easel and paints and went to work! She obviously had permission and so did I, I suppose.
Yes, I’ve read that many museums allow art students to do that. What a cool way to learn.
Thank you Kim! Happy you are continuing your postings with photographs. This post got me to really look at Las. Meninas again….It has been a long time since I’ve done so. Thank you! Janet
It’s really a cool painting and, I think, ahead of its time in terms of playing with minds of admirers.
You’re in Spain, how wonderful, and I love that your first outing is to the Prado! I also took a photo in the Prado a few years ago of a painter copying a painting by El Greco. The copy was identical to my eye. Maybe they’ve changed their policies?
Hi Wendy, There are parts of the Prado where photos are ok. But the signage is subtle!