Who painted The Heroine of Peralada?

The Heroine of Peralada was painted by Antoni Caba in 1864.

Where can I see The Heroine of Peralada?

The Heroine of Peralada is held by Museo del Prado.

Can I buy a print of The Heroine of Peralada?

Museum-quality prints of The Heroine of Peralada are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Heroine of Peralada

Antoni Caba , 1864

The Heroine of Peralada is an oil painting by Antoni Caba. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Antoni Caba’s 1864 oil painting *The Heroine of Peralada* presents a dramatic equestrian tableau. A woman in a chain‑mail dress, her dark hair swept by wind, lifts a sword while gripping the reins of a rearing horse. The mounted rider, armored and clothed in a red tunic, is pulled backward, his expression a mix of fear and resolve. A cloudy sky and distant buildings frame the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a heroic female figure, identified as Na Mercadera, who appears to dominate a chaotic moment on the battlefield. By juxtaposing her calm, assertive posture with the horse’s wild motion, Caba suggests themes of courage, control, and the inversion of traditional gender roles in a martial context.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the work demonstrates Caba’s commitment to realistic detail. The sheen on the horse’s brown coat, the texture of the chain‑mail, and the nuanced lighting on the orange sash reveal careful observation. The painter’s handling of light and shadow enhances the three‑dimensionality of the figures, aligning with his broader portraiture practice of the 1860s.

History & Provenance

*The Heroine of Peralada* entered the Museo del Prado’s collection, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in 19th‑century Spanish art and Caba’s reputation as a portraitist who extended his realistic approach to narrative subjects.

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Artist & collection

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.

Museum

Museo del Prado

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