Joaquin Sorolla Exhibition Celebrates Spanish Dress (PHOTOS)

Upcoming exhibition ‘Joaquín Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress’ celebrates the history of Spanish costume and its transition from decorating a people to defining them. Sorolla’s monumental paintings capture color, movement, and passion in both the Spanish garment and those that wore them.

Conceived by designer Oscar de la Renta and curated by Vogue's André Leon Talley, the show will treat costumes not as ornamental to the characters portrayed but as the characters themselves. For the first time, the pieces will be displayed alongside the types of costumes they portray. Additional costumes will illustrate the expansive extent of Spanish dress’ influence and plasticity, the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute promises designs ranging from "bullfighters’ suits of lights" to contemporary pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and more. Experience the weaving together of art and history through Sorolla’s painted fabrics in the slideshow below.

'Joaquín Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress' will show from December 8, 2011 until March 10, 2012 at the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute.