Artwork

Study of Zephyrus for «The Triumph of Day over Night Preceded by Dawn»

Study of Zephyrus for «The Triumph of Day over Night Preceded by Dawn», by Antoni Caba, oil, 1882
Study of Zephyrus for «The Triumph of Day over Night Preceded by Dawn», by Antoni Caba, oil, 1882

Study of Zephyrus for «The Triumph of Day over Night Preceded by Dawn» is an oil painting by Antoni Caba. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created by Spanish artist Antoni Caba around 1882, is a preparatory study for a larger work titled «The Triumph of Day over Night Preceded by Dawn». It is now part of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Zephyrus, the mythological personification of the west wind, as a nude male figure with short, curly hair. His dynamic pose, with raised right arm and bent left elbow, suggests impending motion, evoking the wind's energy.

Technique & Style

Caba employed oil paint to capture the figure's movement and the subtle, gradient background, which adds depth. The overall technique conveys a sense of energy and dynamism, characteristic of the subject's mythological association with wind.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1882 as a study for a broader thematic work, the painting is currently housed at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, highlighting its significance within Catalan and Spanish artistic heritage.

Context

While primarily known for realistic portraits, this work showcases Caba's versatility in exploring mythological themes through expressive, dynamic compositions.

Legacy

As a study for a larger, presumably ambitious project, this painting provides insight into Caba's creative process and his interpretation of classical mythology in late 19th-century Spanish art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Antoni Caba

Artist

Antoni Caba

Antoni Caba i Casamitjana (1838 – 25 January 1907) was a Spanish painter who worked in the Realistic style and is best known for his portraits.