Cecilia x 3, by Ricardo Garabito (1980)

Technique: oil on canvas / Measures: 160 x 130 cm

María Isabel Baldasarre, a Ph in History of Art, shows us the treasures of the Guerrico Family Collection, donated entirely to the MNBA…

Sometimes, sculptures can become a bridge between what's there, the tridimensional, and its spiritual meaning...

Pietá, by Michelangelo Buonarotti (1498/99)

Materials: marble / Measures: 1,74 x 1,95 m

St Peter's Cathedral, Vatican City.

This small bronce cross holds the figure of Christ made in gold. Although it seems simple, it was made with utmost detail. It's currently standing on an acrylic cube, but it might have been carried in a wooden stick, long enough to be seen by everyone during the procession.

Similar crosses to this one will be seen during Holy Week in Rome and throughout the world. Pope Francis might possibly use one similar to the one at the MNBA. On other occasions, the Holy See has chosen a procession cross with a carved lamb in gold and metal. The Pope holds these crosses during the reading of the Passion at the Colosseum. Which one will he chose...?

By the end of the 19th century, José Prudencio de Guerrico, together with his wife, María Güiraldes,  visited the workshop of artist Eduardo Schiaffino in Paris. One of his paintings, entitled "Reposo", showed a naked woman, which made the lady feel rather uncomfortable.

Reposo, de Eduardo Schiaffino (1889)

Technique: oil on canvas / Measures: 109 x 200 cm
MNBA

Held at one of the most beautiful cities in the world, every two years, the Venice Biennale opens to the public: a gigantic exhibition that wants to capture the artistic moment of today. This year it will open on June 1st, but between May 29th and 31st, the Biennale will welcome special guests, press and collectors. The latter are the main characters of the art world. Their acquisitions keep the market alive and many museums have seen their collections increase thanks to their donations.  That is what happened to the MNBA, which, in the early 20th century, received a great number of pieces belonging to the Guerrico family.
Manuel José Guerrico, who is known as the first Argentine collector, begun his collection in 1848, in Europe, mostly with a philanthropic and educational aim. He wanted to bring to Buenos Aires examples of the art movements, for the Fine Art students.