In its ongoing mission to make its vast heritage accessible to as many people as possible, the Prado Museum has launched a new online initiative. This project provides free access to a significant selection of the museum’s works on paper, allowing people from around the world to explore these unique creations. These works, which showcase a wide range of artistic styles and techniques, also serve as valuable references for those studying the art of paper-based works.
The Graphoscope and the 1882 Photographic Panorama of the Prado’s Central Gallery
One of the highlights of this initiative is the virtual display of the museum’s unique graphoscope, a rare device that may be the only one of its kind ever produced. Dating back to the late 19th century, the graphoscope provides a continuous view of the Prado’s Central Gallery as it appeared between 1882 and 1883.
This virtual exploration offers a fascinating glimpse into the museum’s museography and the arrangement of its paintings and sculptures during that period. As visitors interact with the photographic panorama, they can click on any artwork to receive detailed information. This includes access to the original catalog entry for each painting, sculpture, or decorative piece, as well as historical photographs of the works taken around the time the panorama was created.
Virtual Printmaking Simulator
Another standout feature of this online experience is the virtual printmaking simulator, designed to give users a hands-on introduction to the complex process of intaglio printmaking. The simulator guides users through every step of the process, from selecting an engraved copper plate to choosing the right paper and ink, preparing the plate, and finally using a virtual press to create their own print. If all steps are followed correctly, users can even download their finished print.
Four iconic works from the Prado’s collection are available for virtual printmaking: The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters by Francisco de Goya, Anacoreta by Mariano Fortuny, François Boucher by Manuel Salvador Carmona, and The Great Hercules by Hendrick Goltzius.
