Cardinal visits ‘Spectacular Rubens’ at Museum of Fine Arts Houston

April 21, 2015

HOUSTON — Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, along with several priests from the Archdiocese, visited Museum of Fine Arts Houston's (MFAH) for a private tour of the "Spectacular Rubens" exhibition led by MFAH Director Gary Tinterow.

Organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Museo Nacional del Prado in association with MFAH, and in collaboration with the Patrimonio Nacional of Spain, the exhibition continues through May 10.

Spectacular Rubens features six painted modelli, or large-scale oil-on-panel studies, from the collection of the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. Also on view are four of the original silk and wool tapestries, among the most renowned treasures of the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales; several paintings by Rubens related to the Eucharist series; and a series of preparatory sketches for three of the four tapestries. 
The modelli have recently undergone conservation, rendering the pictorial surfaces once again lively and forceful, offering a record of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens's brushwork.

In the early 1620s, Rubens completed one of his greatest achievements: designing the Triumph of the Eucharist tapestries. The most elaborate and expensive tapestries made in Europe in the 17th century, the 20 monumental works in this series celebrated the principles of the Roman Catholic Church.

Entrance to this exhibition is included with the Museum admission. Museum members receive free general admission. For an additional fee, guests are invited to the exhibition experience with the optional audio tour, available for rental in the lobbies. Use promo code ARCHGH for $2 off individual tickets at mfah.org/admission, 713-639-7300 or in the museum lobbies. Book a group of 10 or more for the best rate. Contact groupsales@mfah.org or 713-639-7878.

For more information, visit www.mfah.org/exhibitions/spectacular-rubens/ or call 713-639-7300.