Timoteo Pérez Rubio Plaque

Amidst the vibrant energy of Madrid, a plaque on Plaza de Tirso de Molina holds a story waiting to be unveiled. This is the Timoteo Pérez Rubio Plaque. It commemorates a man who, against a backdrop of war, became a guardian of art. Timoteo Pérez Rubio, a painter and president of the Junta Central del Tesoro Artístico Nacional, resided here during the 1930s. His home was also shared by the writer Rosa Chacel. Timoteo Pérez Rubio’s legacy is intertwined with the Spanish Civil War. He spearheaded the evacuation of hundreds of artworks to protect them from damage and looting. Imagine the logistical feat: over 500 paintings, 180 drawings, and the Dauphin’s Treasure, all carefully packed and transported in 71 trucks to Perpignan, then by train to Geneva. Pérez Rubio’s meticulous care ensured the artworks’ safety. He oversaw the rolling and careful placement of paintings into climate-controlled crates, accompanying the precious cargo himself. This act of preservation marked a turning point for Pérez Rubio. He would not return to Spain. The plaque at Plaza de Tirso de Molina is more than just a marker. It’s a window into the life of an artist. He dedicated himself to preserving his nation’s artistic heritage amidst the chaos of war. Timoteo Pérez Rubio, born in Badajoz in 1896, was an accomplished Impressionist painter known for his landscapes. The war disrupted his artistic career, leading him to exile in Rio de Janeiro in 1940. There, he connected with prominent Brazilian artists like Cándido Portinari and Di Cavalcanti, and intellectuals. Rosa Chacel’s book, “Timoteo Pérez Rubio y sus retratos del jardín,” published in 1980, offers glimpses into this period of his life. The Timoteo Pérez Rubio Plaque stands as a quiet testament to his courageous act. He protected Spain’s artistic soul during a time of national division and conflict. It reminds us that amidst destruction, the preservation of beauty and culture becomes an act of defiance and hope.