The Hispanic Society of America was founded in 1904, and opened to the public four years later. Its main aim was to encourage the study of Spain, Portugal, Latin America and the Philippines. Currently undergoing a full-scale refurbishment, the Society has loaned the highlights of its collection - which is, to use its own words, 'unparalleled in its scope and quality outside of Spain' - to the Royal Academy for a rich and rewarding exhibition which will be open until 10 April. Saying 'highlights', though, is slightly misleading, as the exhibition is extensive, taking up the majority of the RA's main exhibition space.

 

Deftly tracing the early history of Spain, the exhibits chart the Arab invasion of the 8th Century and all that follows, covering medieval, renaissance and baroque art, while also looking at the highs - and inevitable lows - of colonialism in Latin America through a wide range of visual culture. Returning to Spain there is the inspired genius of Goya and the sensuous colour of Sorolla to enjoy, among other, lesser-known artists who, like Sorolla, were alive at the time when the Society was founded. 

This talk will introduce the exhibition as a whole, focussing on some of the very best from this remarkable selection of highlights.