On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P04647
- Author
- Sorolla y Bastida, Joaquín (Spanish)
- Title
- The Actress, María Guerrero as `La Dama Boba'
- Chronology
- 1897
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 131 cm x 120,5 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- MUSEO ARTE MODERNO
- Procedence
- Museum of Modern Art
The famous actress was portrayed on
numerous occasions in the role of
some of the characters she played
on stage. Here she represents
Finea, the protagonist of Lope de
Vega's play, La dama boba, written
in 1613. This painting is set
indoors, with the actress's husband
in the background. He, too, was an
actor and is shown dressed for the
same comedy.
The recreation of clothing from
Lope de Vega's time allows Sorolla
to pay clear homage to the painting
of Velasquez. This is especially
noticeable in his way of rendering
the actress's farthingale. The rich
colors based on white, carmine and
pink, are applied with great
freedom and modernity, making this
one of Sorolla's finest
works.
This painting was made around 1897.
It's original format was smaller,
but years later the artist himself
transformed this work, adding two
horizontal strips and changing the
actress's serious expression to a
happier one. He also changed the
date to 1906.
Location on the map
