On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00865
- Author
- López Portaña, Vicente (Spanish)
- Title
- Maria Cristina de Bourbon, Queen of Spain (fourth wife of Fernando VII)
- Chronology
- 1830
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 96 cm x 74 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Queen María Cristina (1806-1878)
was the fourth wife of Fernando VII
(1784-1833) and the mother of
Isabel II (1830-1904). Here she
wears the sash of the Order of
María Luisa, the scallop of the
Order of the Eagle and the Star of
Isabel Teresa of Austria.
This painting was commissioned as a
wedding portrait for her husband
and uncle. It was especially
appreciated by the Monarch, who
hung it in his office.
In this, one of his most sumptuous
works, López was especially
meticulous in his rendering of both
the Queen's features and the
qualities of her clothing and
jewels. His technique here is
characteristically affected and
polished. The lighting,
concentrated on María Cristina's
face and arms, helps to give the
work a certain melancholy feeling.
Location on the map
