The Prado Museum has selected 33 masterpieces linking sport and painting to inspire Spanish athletes in honour of the Olympic Games, which are presenting their opening gala in Paris today.

The works of art will celebrate the participation of the 382 athletes from this country as a joint initiative between the institution and the Spanish Olympic Committee.

The Prado chose paintings by El Bosco, Velázquez, Rubens and Goya, as well as lesser-known artists such as Fracanzano and Espalter, and Rull, with the aim of creating a connection between art and the Olympic spirit.

This artistic itinerary begins with the famous «Prometheus» by Rubens, which represents the moment when the mythological character escapes from Olympus with the flame to give it to men.

The exhibition concludes with Velázquez’s painting «The Spears», which shows a gesture of magnanimity and respect towards the defeated rival.

In some cases, the relationship between these two disciplines (art and sport) is evident through the sporting gesture depicted; for example, Jacob Peeter Gowy’s «The Fall of Icarus» is related to the high jump, while Joaquín Espalter’s «Samson» is associated with the discus throw.

Other cases present a more symbolic or poetic relationship, as in badminton or triathlon, with Goya’s «Queen Maria Luisa» or Van Dyck’s copy of the portrait of «Charles I of England».

The initiative of the Prado Museum and the Spanish Olympic Committee seeks to inspire Spanish athletes with the power and beauty of art, reinforcing values such as effort, magnanimity and respect for opponents, essential in sporting competition.

By connecting history and culture with sport, the aim is to provide athletes with an additional source of motivation and reflection on their way to the Olympics.