San Antonio de La Florida Hermitage

The San Antonio de La Florida Hermitage, Madrid is a small neo-classical temple that is situated on the banks of the Manzanares River. It is famed for its wonderful murals, painted by the prominent artist Francisco de Goya and depicting one of the miracles of San Antonio of Padua. The mausoleum of the artist Goya has been there since 1919. In the year 1798, Goya himself painted the frescoes on the dome of the San Antonio de La Florida Hermitage and the consequence is his usual expressive detail and originality. The San Antonio de La Florida Hermitage is also known as the Milagro de San Antonio de Padua, it represents some of Francisco de Goya’s most famous works.

The San Antonio de La Florida Hermitage is a simple yet elegant example of late 18th century art housing Goya’s tomb, at the same time. In order to preserve the essence of the paintings, an identical chapel was built adjacent to the Hermitage in 1928, where the Mass is presently held. The Hermitage of San Antonio de La Florida was constructed during the reign of Carlos IV. The painting of the miracle is noted where St. Anthony resurrects a dead man to question and prove his father innocent falsely accused of murder. The scene occupies the entire part of the cupola which measures 6 m in diameter.

The Hermitage of San Antonio houses a second composition with a group of angels covering the pedantries, walls and the semi cupola of the high altar, which represents the Holy Trinity. The principal scene comprises witnesses of a miracle who surround the base of the cupola standing like commoners on the street. The religious scene is hence converted into something that is as common as the regular mass. The free, long and vigorous brushwork is used to create atmosphere. The San Antonio de La Florida Hermitage, Madrid thus marks the beginning of Goya’s impressionism.