A visual Tertulia: Galdós’s Drawings Take Center Stage

the Pérez Galdós Museum House in Las palmas de Gran Canaria is set to inaugurate a captivating exhibition, Galdós Draftsman: Tertulia between Canaries, on May 6th at 11:00 AM. This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the lesser-known artistic talents of the celebrated Canarian novelist, Benito Pérez Galdós. Showcasing two of his five preserved albums of drawings, Las Canarias and Atlas Zoo, the exhibition promises to reveal a new dimension of Galdós’s creative genius.

Madrid Cafés and Canarian Connections: The Genesis of Galdós’s Art

Transporting us to 19th-century Madrid, the drawings were conceived during lively gatherings in the city’s bustling cafés. Here, Galdós, alongside fellow Canarians like León y Castillo and Benítez de Lugo, engaged in spirited discussions about the future of Spain. Amidst these intellectual exchanges, Galdós seized the opportunity to capture the essence of his contemporaries through caricatures and sketches. as Galdós himself noted, I have pencil drawn all the characters that I have created, highlighting the integral role of drawing in his creative process.

Nadine Martín Museum curated the exhibition,which will be open to the public until november 16th.

‘Las Canarias’: A Homage to the Homeland

The album Las Canarias, generously loaned by the Canarian museum, offers a poignant reflection on Galdós’s connection to his native islands. The exhibition also features a copy of the Havana-based magazine of the same name,dating back to 1890,which dedicated a page to Galdós’s insightful observations.

‘atlas Zoo’: A Lexicon of Personalities

The Atlas Zoo album presents a fascinating synthesis of visual and textual elements. The drawings, imbued with subtle nuances, gain deeper meaning when paired with accompanying text, and vice versa. This collection focuses on the individual journeys of prominent figures, including the young Fernando León y Castillo de Telde and Luis Fernández Benítez de Lugo, offering a glimpse into their formative years around 1867, after their initial attempts to establish themselves in madrid.

Beyond Novels: Exploring Galdós’s broader Artistic Spectrum

While Galdós is primarily celebrated for his literary contributions,this exhibition sheds light on his diverse artistic pursuits. His early work, Great Theater of the Pescadería, created during his youth in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, showcases his early interest in social and urban issues. This humorous album, a product of debates surrounding the location of the city’s new theater, foreshadows his later engagement with societal themes in his novels.

Other Facets of Galdós’s Artistic Expression

galdós’s artistic explorations extended beyond caricatures and social commentary. his Maritime Album reveals a deep interest with the sea and navigation, featuring depictions of ships and ports, notably in Santander. This reflects a common theme among Canarian artists,given their island heritage. Furthermore, his Architectural Album showcases his architectural vision, including designs for the city’s cathedral and even his own furniture, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly blend artistic expression with functional design.

A Deeper Dive: Stephen Miller‘s Insights

To further enhance the visitor experience, an informative brochure featuring a prologue by Stephen Miller will be available. Miller’s 2001 edition of Galdós’s drawings, published by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, remains an essential resource for understanding the context and significance of these remarkable albums.