Artwork
Un golpe en vago
Un golpe en vago is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Federico Jiménez Fernández. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896, this oil on canvas by Spanish painter Federico Jiménez Fernández portrays a brief encounter in a meadow. A reddish‑brown fox stands on the left while two waterfowl, a mallard and a duck, lift off toward the right under a cloudy sky. The work is part of the collection of the Museo del Prado.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a fleeting moment of predator and prey. The fox, poised and attentive, appears to have been tracking the birds, which have just taken flight. The tension between the grounded animal and the escaping ducks suggests themes of survival and the delicate balance within natural habitats.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the painting demonstrates a meticulous approach to texture and colour. Jiménez Fernández renders the fox’s fur with layered brushwork that conveys both sheen and depth, while the ducks’ iridescent heads and the surrounding grasses are depicted with fine, realistic detail. The muted palette and soft lighting enhance the naturalistic atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Since its completion in the late nineteenth century, the canvas has remained in Spain, eventually entering the holdings of the Museo del Prado. The museum’s acquisition records list the work under its Spanish title, "Un golpe en vago," confirming its status as a representative example of the artist’s wildlife studies.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Federico Jiménez Fernández (1841–1931) was an artist, born in Madrid.
