Juan Agustín Ceán Bermúdez (1749–1829) is a key name in Spanish art historiography. His life and writings were closely linked to those of other Enlightenment figures of the period such as Jovellanos, for whom he worked for many years, and Goya, whose company he frequented. He owned numerous works by the latter, including many of the drawings after Velázquez from which the Aragonese artist subsequently made prints.

Taking as a basis unpublished sources and a new examination of those that are already known, this study paints a new and thorough portrait of a man who was much more complex and important than previously believed. In five articles, a catalogue of more than 150 works and a full chronology, various specialists analyse two aspects of Ceán’s legacy: as an art historian (as he laid the scientific foundations for his discipline in pioneering works and fundamental writings on architecture, archaeology, painting, collecting, engraving and drawing) and as a collector of drawings and prints.

This volume is the catalogue of the exhibition with the same title on show at the Biblioteca Nacional de España.

Elena M.ª Santiago Páez, who holds a doctorate from the Complutense University, is librarian emeritus at the Biblioteca Nacional de España (BNE), where she was previously in charge of the geography and maps section (1966–82) and the department of drawings and engravings (1983–2004). The many exhibitions she has curated include “Ydioma universal”, Goya en la B.N. (with J. Wilson, 1996); El gabinete de Ceán Bermúdez (1997); Del Amor y la Muerte. Dibujos y grabados de la B.N. (2001); and La luz de la sombra. Grabados de Rembrandt (with G. Lambert, 2004–5).

“The importance of this monumental work is now buttressed by the presentation of much new material that testifies to Ceán’s informed curiosity about a wide range of artistic questions”, Jonathan Brown, The Burlington Magazine

“In this large catalogue, which is a veritable collector’s item in its own right, Ceán is memorialized as a crucial figure in the historiography of Spanish art and criticism”, Sarah Symmons, Bulletin of Spanish Studies

“The catalogue is a model for how to present such a complex subject lucidly. The meticulous research is expressed through engaging essays and an up-to-date bibliography, supported by excellent illustrations and a high overall standard of production”, Mark McDonald, Print Quarterly

“Ceán ha sido siempre admirado y hasta venerado por los estudiosos de la Historia del Arte, pero la importancia, originalidad e interés de su ingente obra escrita no había sido nunca del todo conocida por el gran público hasta la exposición temporal que motivó el catálogo que nos ocupa”, Pedro Moleón Gavilanes, Archivo Español de Arte

“The 2016 exhibition at the Biblioteca Nacional de España in Madrid (20 May–11 September) and its catalogue set out to provide a more rounded and nuanced assessment of Ceán Bermúdez and his significance, which was long overdue”, Hilary Macartney, Hispanic Research Journal

“Una verdadera monografía sobre el primer historiador del arte español embarcado en un método científico novedoso, acorde a los parámetros que se estaban estableciendo entonces en Europa”, Juan Díaz Álvarez, Archivo Español de Arte

“Con este catálogo y su exposición se rinde tributo por vez primera y de una forma apropiada a la investigación en arte en nuestro país”, Juan Ignacio Sampedro Iturralde, Descubrir el Arte