I first visited the Prado in March 1979, when, after the death of Franco, relations between Spain and the USSR resumed. I visited Madrid more than once in subsequent years, but I had to do so much that there was not enough time for a new visit to the famous museum. And so, in June 2012, after 33 years, I managed to visit the famous gallery again. Alas, I did not see what I expected! There was a long queue of those wishing to visit the gallery during the grace period (two hours before closing). The American woman, with whom we approached at the same time and whom I let ahead, was soon approached by friends in such numbers that it made me regret my gallantry.→