la obra
In art contexts, la obra means an artwork or a work (often of art). It is a broad term that can include a painting, sculpture, or a whole piece by an artist.
Common Phrases
- una obra de arte — a work of art
- la obra maestra — the masterpiece
Example
Esa obra tiene muchos detalles pequenos.
That artwork has many small details.
Common Mistake
Using it only for construction work. In a museum, prefer la obra for an artwork, not la obra meaning a building site context.
el retrato
El retrato is a portrait: an artwork showing a person (or sometimes an animal) as the main subject. It can be painted, photographed, or sculpted, but in museums it often refers to a painted portrait.
Common Phrases
- un retrato de familia — a family portrait
- un retrato al oleo — an oil portrait (oil painting portrait)
Example
El retrato parece serio, pero la mirada es dulce.
The portrait seems serious, but the gaze is gentle.
Common Mistake
Mixing it with la retrata (incorrect). The correct noun is el retrato.
el cuadro
El cuadro usually means a painting (a framed painted work). It can also mean a picture in general, but in a museum it strongly suggests a painting on display.
Common Phrases
- un cuadro famoso — a famous painting
- colgar un cuadro — to hang a painting
Example
El cuadro estaba colgado en una pared blanca.
The painting was hanging on a white wall.
Common Mistake
Confusing it with la pintura when you mean the finished piece. Use el cuadro for the artwork; la pintura often refers to paint or the act/style of painting.
antiguo
Antiguo means old or ancient. In museums it often suggests historical value, not just something used or worn out.
Common Phrases
- un edificio antiguo — an old/ancient building
- arte antiguo — ancient art
Example
Es un museo antiguo, pero esta bien cuidado.
It is an old museum, but it is well maintained.
Common Mistake
Putting it before the noun without meaning change. un edificio antiguo is the straightforward choice; un antiguo edificio can shift toward meaning a former building (context-dependent).
el artista
El artista is the artist, the person who created the artwork. It can refer to painters, sculptors, and creators in many fields.
Common Phrases
- el artista famoso — the famous artist
- la vida del artista — the artist's life
Example
El artista vivio en Paris y cambio su estilo.
The artist lived in Paris and changed his style.
Common Mistake
Forgetting the article in a specific reference. In context, use el artista, not artista alone, when you mean the specific creator you are discussing.
la escultura
La escultura is a sculpture, a three-dimensional artwork made from materials like stone, metal, or wood. It is often discussed with light because surfaces reflect and cast shadows.
Common Phrases
- una escultura de marmol — a marble sculpture
- una escultura moderna — a modern sculpture
Example
La escultura brilla con la luz del museo.
The sculpture shines with the museum light.
Common Mistake
Using el escultura. The correct gender is feminine: la escultura.
la sombra
La sombra is the shadow. In art talk, it is useful for describing how light changes what you notice in a painting or sculpture.
Common Phrases
- juego de sombras — play of shadows
- una sombra suave — a soft shadow
Example
La sombra cambia segun la luz.
The shadow changes depending on the light.
Common Mistake
Using sombrA as if it were masculine in agreement. Keep feminine agreement: la sombra, una sombra.
la pared
La pared means the wall (typically an interior wall). In galleries, wall color and placement affect how artworks look and feel.
Common Phrases
- una pared blanca — a white wall
- contra la pared — against the wall
Example
La pared blanca hace resaltar los colores del cuadro.
The white wall makes the painting's colors stand out.
Common Mistake
Confusing la pared with el muro. Use la pared for indoor walls; el muro is more like an exterior wall or barrier.