Artwork

Malasaña y su hija se baten contra los franceses en una de las calles que bajan del parque a la de San Bernardo. Dos de mayo de 1808

Malasaña y su hija se baten contra los franceses en una de las calles que bajan del parque a la de San Bernardo. Dos de mayo de 1808, by Eugenio Álvarez Dumont, oil, 1894
Malasaña y su hija se baten contra los franceses en una de las calles que bajan del parque a la de San Bernardo. Dos de mayo de 1808, by Eugenio Álvarez Dumont, oil, 1894

Malasaña y su hija se baten contra los franceses en una de las calles que bajan del parque a la de San Bernardo. Dos de mayo de 1808 is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Eugenio Álvarez Dumont. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. Malasaña y su hija se baten contra los franceses.

About this work

Overview

Malasaña y su hija se baten contra los franceses... (1894) is an oil painting by Eugenio Álvarez Dumont depicting a pivotal moment in the Dos de Mayo Uprising of 1808 during the Peninsular War. The scene unfolds in a Madrid street near Parque del Buen Retiro, showcasing resistance against French forces.

Subject & Meaning

The painting centers on Juan Malasaña and his daughter Manuela as they fight against French troops. This representation highlights civilian bravery and the intense conflict of the uprising, immortalizing a specific, heroic moment in Spanish history.

Technique & Style

Dumont employs detailed, vibrant oil painting to convey chaos. Figures in distinctive attire (e.g., red shirt, green pants, and contrasting French uniforms) are set against a backdrop of Madrid’s architecture and a serene blue sky, juxtaposing turmoil with tranquility. The level of detail and color suggests a blend of historical precision and dramatic emphasis.

History & Provenance

Created in 1894, the painting is part of the Museo del Prado’s collection. While Dumont was known for Orientalist and costumbrista works, this piece reflects his capability in capturing historical, battle-oriented themes.

Context

The Dos de Mayo Uprising marked the beginning of the Peninsular War, a conflict that pitted Spanish insurgents against Napoleon’s army. Dumont’s work, painted nearly a century later, reflects a nostalgic or commemorative look at Spanish resistance and national pride.

Legacy

As a historical piece in the Prado, it contributes to the museum’s narrative of Spanish history and art. Its depiction of a lesser-known figure’s bravery may also serve educational purposes, though its broader artistic influence appears more tied to its subject matter than stylistic innovation.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Eugenio Álvarez Dumont

Artist

Eugenio Álvarez Dumont

Eugenio Álvarez Dumont (1864, Tunis - 1927, Buenos Aires) was a Spanish painter; primarily of Orientalist and costumbrista scenes, although he is best remembered as a battle painter, for his scenes from the Peninsular War.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.