The shadow has always been closely related to the history of Western art. Shadow adds a contemplative and dreamy aspect to painting. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and Fundacion Caja Madrid have jointly organised an exhibition titled "Shadows" that is now on at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, in Madrid.

The aim of this exhibition is to draw the art enthusiast's attention to a host of the implications, issues and solutions inherent in the representation of shadows in art from the Renaissance to present day. The exhibition is theme oriented and divided into two sections: the rooms of Museo Thyssen display the works from the 15th century to 19th century, while Fundaction Caja Madrid features works from the 20th century including paintings, photography and films.

At the exhibition Pablo Picasso's “The Shadow on the Woman" presents an abstract image of a lonely woman. The painting also highlights some of Picasso's recurring motifs and the bold vertical, horizontal lines and forms. Picasso is one of the most recognised icons of 20th century and he is best known for Cubism.

Claude Monet is best known for his Series on water lilies. Monet mainly painted landscapes and seascapes. His paintings are scenic, serene and fetching. In his paintings, the sky always appears spacious and his colours feel livelier than other aspects. At the exhibition, one of his paintings features a green meadow by a narrow dirt road. A long shadow of trees has fallen on the road, giving the work a reflective mood. The painting was done in 1864.

Salvador Dali needs no introduction. The iconic artist is best known for his fantastic and lyrical surrealistic images. At the exhibition, a number of Dali's works present unusual visions while others delve into time and history.

Edouard Vuillard was a French impressionist painter and his works feature the inner relation between man and woman. Most of his works focus on human relationships and the various aspects related to them. Black is dominant in his works, giving them a shadowy impression. Lucid composition and warm colours are also noticeable in Vuillard's works.

Emile Friant was a French painter who delved into photo-realism. The medium is now extensively used in Western and American art. One of Friant's paintings on display depicts an enamoured couple and the shadow is very much visible.

Andy Warhol -- American painter, printmaker -- was a pioneering figure in the visual art movement known as 'pop art.' He is recognised for zooming in on facial expressions. His images give the

viewers a taste of super-realism. His images in colour give an impression of inner struggle.

Christian Schad is renowned for his close association with the 'Dada Movement.' His portraits are very dynamic and give the viewers a taste of realism. At the exhibition, a portrait by Schad shows a seated gentleman in a sombre mood. A menacing shadow is seen behind the image.

Francisco Goya was a printmaker and painter and his works were engrossed with struggle, pain, disquiet and hostility in the society. He liked to work on large canvas and the canvases portrayed many stories simultaneously. Many figures and their individual expressions make Goya's works remarkable.

Lorezo Lotto was an Italian painter who is noted for bringing various striking moments in his paintings. He worked mainly on religious subjects, social

dilemma and portraits. His. paintings have strong elements inspired by the baroque style, delving into mythical and historic moments, with a feel of stage drama.

Giorgio de Chirico's paintings depict diverse architectural shapes and lines. The ancient structure appears glowing and flamboyant. One can observe the dominance of light and shade in the painting. Black and light yellow create a distinct look.

Georges de La Tour painted mainly religious scenes and often followed the 'genre style.' At the exhibition one of his paintings denotes a moving image of a nurse who is taking care to an injured soldier. Bleeding from the chest, the soldier is eagerly waiting for his recovery. Light illuminates the wounded spot and the rest of the canvas is occupied by shade. The highlight is expression in the eyes of the subjects.