El Prado

Each time I stand before the monumental nineteenth century classical paintings in the Prado, something within me is stirred. Rosales said that the purpose of paintings was "[primarily to affect the soul, rather than the intellect]". A statement which he profoundly achieved. The viewer feels in response to his paintings first; then the thinking follows. Before venturing beyond the surface, the painting must make an emotional and spiritual impact.

I visit these paintings frequently and they never cease to inspire me. These artists overcame their own human transience in some way by creating something transcendental. They achieved posterity and gave something to future lives.