Beyond the Prado. Museums and Identity in Democratic Spain.

First edition. xiv+222 pages with index. Illustrated. Cloth and boards. Fine in dustjacket. When Franco died in 1975, the transitional government in Spain set out to create a democracy that celebrated rather than suppressed regional and ethnic diversity. The author of this study argues that Spanish state and regional leaders have consciously used the power of museums to foster democratic identity in the country's citizens. Case studies such as the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, the Sephardic Museum in Toledo, and the modern contemporary art museum in Valencia, reveal how museums and their exhibitions have touched off vigorous debates around such issues as Basque autonomy, the relationship of art museums and policies, Catalan identity, and the opposing pull of local and global cultures. Holo chronicles how neglect of the Prado and acquisition of the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection have affected Spain's public image and describes the controversies surrounding Picasso's "Guernica". In their variety and activism, Spanish Museums convey an image of a complex democracy that has transformed uncertainty and disagreement into an eccentric postmodern solidarity. Holo suggests that they provide lessons that could be useful elsewhere. Spain is one of our specialities, many more in stock, an image of the cover is available on request. We have 32 years experience in bookselling, so you may order with confidence.…