Artwork
Alfonso XII
Alfonso XII is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Alejandro Ferrant y Fischermans. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Alejandro Ferrant y Fischermans completed an oil canvas in 1890 that is now part of the Prado Museum’s collection. The work, titled Alfonso XII, portrays a solitary figure in an elaborate military uniform set against a sumptuous red interior, surrounded by regal furnishings and decorative objects.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure wears a black jacket trimmed in gold and red, a sash bearing the insignia of the Order of Charles III, white trousers and high black boots. The empty gilded throne behind him, crowned with a symbolic emblem, together with a lion statue and a candlestick, evoke notions of royal authority and ceremonial honor.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, Ferrant employs a rich palette of reds, blacks and golds to convey the opulence of the setting. The painter’s handling of light emphasizes the reflective metal of the uniform and the polished surfaces of the throne and accessories, while the background remains softly modeled, directing focus to the figure.
History & Provenance
Created in the late nineteenth century, the painting entered the Museo del Prado’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Ferrant y Fischermans aligns with his known output of historical and portrait subjects during Spain’s post‑Restoration period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alejandro Ferrant y Fischermans
Alejandro Ferrant y Fischermans (1843–1917) was an artist, born in Madrid.
