Artwork

Saturnino Esteban Collantes y Miquel conde de Esteban Collantes

Saturnino Esteban Collantes y Miquel conde de Esteban Collantes is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Asterio Mañanós Martínez. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Asterio Mañanós Martínez painted this oil portrait in 1896, representing Saturnino Esteban Collantes y Miquel, the Count of Esteban Collantes. The work is part of the Prado Museum’s collection and reflects the post‑Impressionist tendency of the period, combining realistic detail with a looser handling of color and light.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in formal dress, bearing the insignia of the Order of Charles III, a sword in his right hand, and a heraldic shield topped by a crown. His solemn expression and direct gaze convey a sense of authority and noble duty, underscoring his status as a high‑ranking aristocrat.

Technique & Style

Mañanós employs a refined chiaroscuro, contrasting the illuminated figure against a deep red curtain that frames the composition. The intricate rendering of gold embroidery, fabric folds, and metallic surfaces demonstrates his skill in depicting texture, while the brushwork retains the looser, color‑focused approach typical of post‑Impressionism.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the portrait entered the Spanish Senate’s historical collection, where Mañanós later worked as a curator. It was subsequently transferred to the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s holdings of 19th‑century Spanish portraiture.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Asterio Mañanós Martínez

Asterio Mañanós Martínez (21 October 1861 – c. 1935) was a Spanish painter who specialized in portraits and Costumbrista. He was also the curator for the historical artworks preserved in the Spanish Senate.