The composition is derived from a Cristo incoronato di Spine done by Jacopo Bassano towards 1589-1590 (Rome, private collection), in which Ballarin clearly sees the influence of Titian´s Christ Crowned with Thorns (Munich, Alte Pinakothek, inv. 2272). The Galleria Sabauda in Turin houses a bottega replica which, like the Prado version, is painted on slate.Several aspects of the painting justify it
The most famous of Esquivel´s pieces and a leading work of Spanish Romanticism. Considered the maximum graphical testimony to the intellectual atmosphere during the reign of Isabel II (1830 - 1904), this canvas depicts a fictitious meeting of Esquivel´s most relevant cultural contemporaries. The composition combines the complexities of a group portrait with the scheme of Flemish Baroque cabinet po
Fillol presents an uncompromising image of female prostitution that denounces human exploitation and the personal degradation of the victim. Although critics recognised the painting’s audacity and praised its naturalism, the academic prize awarded to Fillol – the second medal at the 1897 National Exhibition – was not accompanied by any financial reward, and the work was indeed not bought until 191
Emperor Nero accused his teacher, Seneca, of treason and ordered his execution. Scorning imperial power, the philosopher decided to take his own life. First he cut his veins and then he took poison. In the end, though, it was the vapors from a brazier that put an end to his suffering. The painting shows the moment when Seneca lies in the bathtub, surround by his weeping friends. The still-smoking
This canvas and its companion, Taste, Hearing and Touch (P1404), represent the five senses embodied by female figures in palatial interiors. The sense of smell is conveyed by a woman holding flowers, while Sight contemplates herself in a mirror held by a cherub. They are located in a hall filled with paintings and sculptures, a sort of cabinet of paintings that could reflect an idealized represent
The inscription, February, indicates that this still life belongs to a series on the twelve months of the year, of which at least five others have been located. Each depicts foodstuffs, floral elements or landscapes from its corresponding month. Here, hunting game is the predominant theme, especially birds, and there is also an interesting allusion to chocolate. While the latter was drunk for most
The painting shows a luxurious domestic interior. The window at the far end contains a stained glass scene of the Anunciation, an allusion to Christ’s incarnation. The Virgin Mary receives the baby Saint John from his mother Elizabeth in the presence of Zachariah. The work comes from the Charterhouse in Miraflores, together with five other panels (P705-P710).
This set of paintings on the five senses (Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, Touch) was one of the most successful collaborations of Peter Paul Rubens and Jan Brueghel “the Elder”. Rubens placed his figures in the magnificent courtly scenes created by Brueghel as settings for these allegories of the senses, resulting in a series of enormous quality and esthetic appeal. The subject was widely employed i
Estampa grabada por Juan Antonio Salvador Carmona que forma parte de una serie (G01573-G01576): Alegorías de las partes del mundo por la que recibió el título de Grabador de Cámara el 20 de febrero de 1786: "Las quatro partes del Mundo, originales de Lucas Jordán que existen en la referida colección del Real Palacio, las grabó en mayor tamaño del de un pliego de la expresada marca y las dedicó al
This case takes the form of the vessel for which it was made, a Small jade and silver-gilt brazier with two masks (O64). The exquisite pieces from the Dauphin´s Treasure are complemented by the custom-made cases that match the shape of each and allow them to be safely transported and counted, as each can be recognized by the contours of its corresponding box. Their wooden structures are lined with
This small brazier, already cited in the 1689 Versailles inventory, follows the French classical taste propitiated by Le Brun, Maison, Bérain and others. The vessel is made up of seven pieces of jade and silver gilt mounts. The body consists of a large piece of jade on a tripod foot formed by three dogs’ paws with six hanging festoons, ribbons, and a low gadrooned receptacle ending in a rin