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Carolina of Monaco, Princess of Hanover, who is visiting Havana with her daughter, donated a portrait of herself to Cuba, created by Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín in 1977.
The official page of the Cultural Program of the Office of the Historian of Havana (OHCH) recorded the moment when the princess toured the facilities of the Casa Guayasamín this Saturday and donated to that center the portrait made in Quito after the visit of Carolina and her mother, Grace Kelly, to the painter's studio.
"A work that encompasses not only an immeasurable artistic value but also a history of affection and connection between peoples", described the official site.
The ceremony was attended by Alfredo Che Vera Guayasamín, president of the Guayasamín Foundation; Abel Prieto, president of Casa de las Américas; Marta Bonet, president of UNEAC; Marta Resik, Director of Communication at OHCH; Viengsay Valdés, pianist Frank Fernández, and Perla Rosales Aguirreurreta, director of OHCH.
The governmental entity praised that the donation of the painting was the "celebration of art as a bridge, of memory as a embrace between peoples."
The princess's journey is part of the second visit of the dance company from the Principality of Monaco to Havana, where they premiered Core Meu (My Heart) this Friday.
The artistic director of the Principality of Monaco company, Jean-Christophe Maillot, informed the agency EFE that the piece is set in the Mediterranean Sea to the rhythm of the tarantella, a popular dance from southern Italy.
This is the second time the company of the Monte Carlo Ballet visits Cuba. The previous visit was in 2015 to present their version of Cinderella. On that occasion and this one, Princess Caroline has accompanied the dancers.
The Monte Carlo Ballet, founded in 1936, was revived 40 years ago by Carolina to "spread the image of Monaco through dance," as reported by EFE.
Driven by her mother Grace Kelly's love for ballet, Carolina stood out as a promising dancer and has been a great patron of the arts in Europe.
She not only founded the Monte Carlo Ballet but has also served as president of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Monte Carlo Opera, the Prince Pierre Foundation, the Spring Art Festival, the Monte Carlo Garden Club, and the Princess Grace Foundation.
Frequently asked questions about Carolina of Monaco's visit to Cuba and the art donation
What artwork did Caroline of Monaco donate to the museum in Havana?
Carolina of Monaco donated a portrait of herself painted by the Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín in 1977. This piece was delivered to the Guayasamín House in Havana, symbolizing a gesture of cultural connection between Ecuador, Monaco, and Cuba.
What is the significance of the donation of Guayasamín's portrait?
The donation of the portrait of Guayasamín has an invaluable artistic value and symbolizes a story of affection and connection between peoples. Furthermore, it is a celebration of art as a cultural bridge and of memory as a hug between nations, according to the statements of the attendees at the delivery event.
What activities did Carolina of Monaco carry out in Cuba besides the donation?
Carolina of Monaco attended the presentation of the dance company from the Principality of Monaco in Havana, where they premiered the piece "Core Meu". This visit is part of the company's second tour in Cuba, the first being in 2015, and Carolina has accompanied them on both occasions.
Who was present at the portrait donation ceremony?
In the donation ceremony of the portrait, the following were present: Alfredo Che Vera Guayasamín, president of the Guayasamín Foundation; Abel Prieto, president of the Casa de las Américas; Marta Bonet, president of the UNEAC, among other prominent Cuban officials in the cultural sector.
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