Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Formidable Spanish ladies - portraits by Federico de Madrazo y Kuntz


Concepción Remisa de Moret, 1856.
Gertrudis Goméz de Avellaneda, 1857.
Saturnina Canaleta de Girona, 1856.
Carolina Coronado Romero de Tejada, 1855.
 Amèlia de Vilanova y de Nadal, 1853.
María Encarnación Cueto de Saavedra, duquesa de Rivas, 1878.
Josefa Coello de Portugal y Quesada, 1855.
Carlota Quintana Badia, 1869.
Gabina de Talledo y de la Secada, 1887.
Portrait of a Lady, 1863.
 Isabel Álvarez Montes, II duquesa de Castro Enríquez y II marquesa de Valderas, 1868.
Inés Pérez Seoane y Marín, condesa de Velle, 1850.
María Dolores de Aldama y Alfonso, marquesa de Montelo, 1855.

***

Federico de Madrazo y Kuntz (12 February 1815, Rome – 10 June 1894, Madrid), Spanish painter. Born the son of the artist José de Madrazo y Agudo, he received his first instruction from his father and began his career at a young age. (Federico's brother, Luis de Madrazo, would also become known as a painter, and his son - and best-known pupil - Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta, later became quite famous in his own right.) He painted historical, classical, and religious subjects, but is best known for his portraits, particularly those of the Spanish Queen Isabel II and members of the Spanish aristocracy. He was the recipient of many prestigious commissions and awards, including the Légion d'honneur in 1846. He was also director of the Museo del Prado from 1860 to 1868 and from 1881 until his death at the age of seventy-nine in 1894.



2 comments:

  1. These portraits are simply gorgeous, and the DRESSES...my word!

    ReplyDelete
  2. "Formidable" is certainly apt here. Spanish painting is always tinged with gloom no matter the period, but mid 19th century portraiture takes the prize. I'd not wish to take tea with any of these sombre ladies.

    ReplyDelete