Dr Kathleen Olive from Academy Travel is a literary and cultural historian.

How did Madrid develop into one of the world’s pre-eminent art cities? Its Museo del Prado’s reputation is largely due to the collecting tastes of Spain’s 16th and 17th century monarchs. From the unification of Castile and Aragon in 1469 Spanish royalty looked to art to express their kingdom’s new found status. Kathleen explores Charles V’s relationship with Titian, Philip II’s architectural splendours at the Escorial, and Velázquez’ truthful yet sympathetic portraits and brings this intriguing story into the 20th century with a look at Picasso’s Guernica and its powerful anti-war message in the purpose built Museo Reina Sofia.
Available on video here: click on this link.

For more information on Academy Travel www.academytravel.com.au/lectures

Kathleen also lectures online at www.theshortcourse.org