The main staircase of the monastery of El Escorial, from a series of Views of El Escorial
Medium
Etching and engraving
Dimensions
Sheet: 18 1/2 × 14 9/16 in. (47 × 37 cm) Image: 14 3/16 × 11 1/2 in. (36 × 29.2 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Georgiana W. Sargent, in memory of John Osborne Sargent, 1924
Accession Number
24.63.499
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking print captures the majestic main staircase of the Monastery of El Escorial, one of Spain’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Built in the late sixteenth century under Philip II, El Escorial served as a royal palace, monastery, and symbol of Spanish power during the Habsburg era. Created around 1790–1800 as part of a series titled Views of El Escorial, the image highlights the soaring arches, elegant columns, and dramatic perspective of the interior, inviting viewers to appreciate the building’s harmonious blend of Renaissance and classical design. The work was produced throug...
About the Artist
Manuel Alegre|Calcografía Real, Madrid|José Gómez Navia (Spanish| |Spanish) · 1757 | |1768 –1812 | |
Spanish, 1757– ca. 1812| |Spanish, born 1768