Past Exhibitions – Roger Winter

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of part one of “Don Quijote” by Miguel de Cervantes. It became one of the most successful and influential novels of its time and remains a literary classic. The book was a particular favorite of King Philip V of Spain, who commissioned tapestries presenting events in the story. In extraordinary condition and lush with detail and color, the 19 tapestries in the exhibition are grand in scale—as large as 13 x 17 feet—and will be shown along with books, paintings, illustrations and other artistic media showing different interpretations of Cervantes‘ work from throughout Europe. The visitor will see breathtaking craftsmanship along with a clear example of cultural unity, appearing just at the time when nations and states were emerging in Europe; despite the diversity of identities, there was a common culture represented by the adoption of Don Quijote as a reference point. The Meadows Museum is the first venue for this exhibition and the only venue in the United States. The exhibition was organized by the State Corporation for Spanish Cultural Action Abroad (SEACEX) and curated by Concha Herrero, Curator of Tapestries, Patrimonio Nacional, and Joaquín Alvarez Barientos, Researcher, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas.