Getting down to work

When things go awry, there is always someone who tells us not the worry that the worst is yet to come. Understandably, it is not easy to work in this way. And since there is no money, museums, galleries, art centres and institutions are rummaging through their funds in order to face up the situation with what they have. Naturally, when the work is being done, the results are easily seen. It comes as no coincidence than that, in the basement of Yale University, John Marciari discovered a painting that cold easily prove to be a velázquez from his early, earliest, Sevillian period. I recommend his excellent article. It not surprising either that Gianni Papi added to the exhibition Caravaggio and the Caravaggists in Florence, several new paintings that might be by the great master himself. Two great Spanish museums are about to announce important discoveries. And both are coming from their funds.

It is precisely this eagerness to work what we felt at the II encuentro de Arte Antiguo (Second Conference on Antique Art) in Jerez and Seville last May. Thanks to the sponsorship provided by Bodegas Tradición and to the enthusiasm of Joaquín and Elena Rivero, we were able to enjoy the get together between researchers, gallery owners, curators and museum directors who tackled many issues, but above all work. There is no other formula to move forward.

Work: an outstanding and painstaking dedication is what took Helga de Alvear to open her Foundation in Cáceres: do not miss to see her dazzling collection! And work is what we wish Javier Urroz who has taken over the leadership of ARCOmadrid. It is a good moment to work, perhaps against the current, but with the unique merit that the time is surely to reward. We have to get down to work.