el cuadro
the painting
Example Sentence
El cuadro antiguo estaba colgado junto a la ventana.
The painting was hanging next to the window.
Meaning
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.