The hidden treasures of the Banco de España
When people think about the treasures the Banco de España keeps within its walls, their first thought is often the gold stored in its vaults. But some riches are not kept underground, as their value lies in being on display for people to enjoy: they are the treasures belonging to our art collection. Join us in getting to know these treasures and explore part of our history with Yolanda Romero, curator of the Banco de España’s heritage and collections. Discover how art and society advance hand in hand.
“The Banco de España’s collection, due to the way it has taken shape, is not an encyclopaedic collection that showcases history of art from the collection’s beginnings in the 18th century until today, but one that has developed over time, growing alongside the Bank’s own buildings. And so, much of this collection comprises elements that speak to each other.”
I’m sure you imagine the Banco de España to hold many treasures, but not all of them are made of gold: some are made of cloth, glass and even paper. We’re opening our doors so that you can see (almost) everything.
Did you know that the Banco de España houses one of the most fascinating collections in the country? Let’s start our new season of podcasts by exploring how art and the economy intertwine in surprising and beautiful ways.
From 17th-century tapestries to more contemporary site-specific art, every corner of the Banco de España tells a story. Yolanda Romero, curator of the Banco de España’s heritage and collections, guides us through a unique collection, highlighting how art reflects and questions the society and economy of its time.
One of the most beautiful examples of this is the painting of Pomona and Vertumnus
. In this work, Pomona, goddess of fruit trees and orchards, offers a peach to Vertumnus, god of the seasons, who is deeply in love with her. But Juan van der Hamen not only paints the handing of fruit to Pomona with great beauty and vivid colour, but also lets us share in a protest of the age: against the art market’s different appreciation of mythological scenes and still lifes, although both are art and can, as in this case, appear side by side in the same work.
The Banco de España collection is rooted in the Enlightenment ideal that art can drive social and economic transformation. Over time, the collection has grown alongside the Banks’ buildings, bringing together decorative arts, painting, sculpture and historic furnishings. This diversity is what makes it so special. Each piece speaks to the others, engaging in a continuous dialogue that enriches our understanding of both art and history.
Art only comes to life through the eyes of its viewer. In this spirit, the Bank has traditionally loaned numerous works to national and international exhibitions, in addition to having its own exhibition space in the Cibeles headquarters – where today’s episode was recorded.
More than 150,000 people have visited the Banco de España’s exhibitions. A guided tour programme has now been launched to showcase part of this treasure. And with the future Banco de España Museum on the horizon, the collection will soon be more accessible than ever.
Don’t miss the chance to explore this unique collection. Visit the collection website, tune into our podcast and discover how art and economy come together at the heart of the Banco de España.
Notes
Some of the photographs of the Cibeles building featured in the video were taken by Carlos Matilla and Juan Carlos Quindós. All the artworks mentioned and shown in this episode can be found under the section Related information below.
