World renown for some of the most culturally significant museums, New York City is a destination for local and international culture, history and art lovers. One of the jewels of the city is The Hispanic Society Museum & Library; a singular landmark dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the art and cultures of Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. Since the days of the pre-Spanish Colonialism all the way to the battles of the Mexican War of Independence, the museum is a safe harbor for each era with a distinct voice.
Founded in 1904 by philanthropist and avid Hispanophile, Archer Milton Huntington, who collected one of the most comprehensive collections of Hispanic art and literature in the world. So remarkable was Huntington’s apatite for the artifacts that even King Alfonso and Queen Victoria of Spain enquired of him what his purpose for such prolific collections were for. According to his mission the museum has been an important center for understanding the peoples and culture of the Hispanic world.
Today the outdoor space features two interactive modern art displays. One of these installations is the Orange Cube 48 by Marta Chilindron, an Argentinean-born, New York-based contemporary artist, who is the 2023 winner of the HSM&L and NoMAA’s open call for artists to create a summer outdoor installation.
Here on the Audubon Terrace, the front of the Museum, is where guests can personally explore the art pieces surrounded by the large and incredible art sculptures created by the museum founder’s wife, the noted sculptor Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington. One of Mrs. Huntington’s sculptures, the monumental equestrian bronze of El Cid, 1927, was placed in the Audubon Terrace, immediately becoming the unofficial symbol of the Hispanic Society.
Inside the Main Court has undergone renovations and is open to the public. Storied terracotta tiles have been carefully maintained along with the exquisite marble work and carvings that elevate the art displayed from Huntington’s considerable archives. Flanking the Main Court to the left you will find a painstakingly restored marble sarcophagus from Spain and to the right a stunning gallery of Joaquín Sorolla’s work. These voluminous paintings depicting scenes from life in Spain.
On a recent visit we were guided by the curator, Orlando Hernandez-Ying, who enthusiastically shared his thoughts and passion for the future of the museum and its current exhibitions. Currently on display is Anatomy of a Fresco: Drawings of José Clemente Orozco from the Wornick Collection. A rare compilation of figurative sketches, portraits and preparatory cartoons for large-scale murals made during the Mexican Mural Movement by one of ‘los tres grandes’, or ‘the big three’, José Clemente Orozco.
Orozco, known as a special artist who lived throughout the Mexican War of Independance and was known for creating pieces that took no side in the war only expressing the very real struggles of the people involved. Post war, Orozco came to New York City and was active in the art community to share not only the hardships of the Hispanic people of the time but that also of the African communities as well.
From small figurative sketched portraits to massive murals depicting the Aztecs and Quetzalcoatl his vision and range was considerable. The collection even includes a unique sketch that depicts a two-headed horse with rider, a commentary on how the Aztecs having never seen horses or metal armor before actually thought that the Spanish conquistadores were one being with the horse, a mythical Sagittarian-like half human half horse creature. The conquistadores so beyond the primitive peoples of Mexico as to be incomprehensible in their presence.
More fascinating exhibitions are soon to be announced and are always free and open to the public.
To learn more visit: The Hispanic Museum & Library
- Photo Credits: The Hispanic Society Museum & Library