The first major catalogue dedicated to the artistic and theoretical work of Antonio Raphael Mengs is now available. In 1761, Mengs entered the service of Charles III and, under his patronage, exerted a decisive influence on the development of the fine arts in Spain.

The volume represents a decisive step forward in our knowledge of the painter and brings together the most relevant research on his life, with studies by leading specialists exploring his work in Dresden, Rome and Spain, his artistic thinking, his fascination with classical antiquity and an innovative analysis of his technique, both in easel painting and mural painting.

Edited by the curators of the exhibition: Andrés Úbeda, Head of the 18th-Century Italian Painting and Goya Collection at the Museo del Prado, and Javier Jordán de Urríes, Curator of Patrimonio Nacional.