War and Peace

The Prado has a travelling exhibition of some of its greatest works. Goya’s unflinching painting of the the Spanish war of independence against the troops of Napoleon reminds us that whatever ails Europe now, for the most part things are resolved peacefully. But it is also a reminder that bloodshed is only a moment away. A lesson maybe for the Spanish schoolgirls filling in their projects in the tranquil surrounds of the Plaça Arenal.

The painting to the right is by 19th century Spanish artist Sorolla. Not sure he’d get away with it now.