The actor José Riquelme in 'El famoso Colirón' zarzuela
Ca. 1904. Oil on canvas.On display elsewhere
Viniegra emphasises the figure´s compassionate and kindly face by depicting him full-length against a neutral background, dressed in the robes of a humble monk. It is a sober finish employing short, heavy brushstrokes. This piece is the result of extremely rapid execution, as can be seen in the inscription that refers to its completion in just two hours. Viniegra´s portrait depicts him in the role of Fray Domingo, one of the funniest, most human and sardonic characters in the zarzuela El famoso Colirón. The work was originally written by Enrique García Álvarez and Juan José Cadenas, with music by Calleja y Llego, and premiered at the lyric theatre in Madrid in 1903. This portrait was presented at the 1904 National Exhibition.
The actor José Riquelme was born in Madrid in 1865. After several frustrated studies and despite the opposition of his father – who was also known as Antonio Riquelme – he began his dramatic career at a very young age. He earned a well-deserved reputation for his extraordinary comic talent.
