Artwork
Youth Resting
Youth Resting is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Francesc Masriera Manovens. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1898 by Spanish painter and goldsmith Francesc Masriera i Manovens, *Youth Resting* is an oil on canvas work now owned by the Museo del Prado. The composition presents a young woman reclining in an interior setting, rendered with a restrained palette of pinks, greens, and creamy whites that convey a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a woman seated on a plush couch, her white, lace‑trimmed dress draped elegantly around her. She holds a delicate hand fan, a gesture that suggests leisure and a subtle hint of exoticism, reflecting Masriera’s interest in Orientalist motifs while focusing on a moment of private repose.
Technique & Style
Masriera employs a soft, post‑Impressionist approach, emphasizing the modulation of light across skin and fabric. The handling of chiaroscuro accentuates the face and fan against a dimmer background, while careful brushwork captures the texture of the dress and the gentle folds of the upholstery, creating a tactile sense of volume.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Prado’s collection as part of its effort to acquire representative works of late‑19th‑century Spanish art. Though Masriera is better known for his goldsmithing, *Youth Resting* exemplifies his foray into figure painting, marking a period when he integrated Orientalist influences with contemporary European trends.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesc Masriera i Manovens (21 October 1842, Barcelona — 15 March 1902, Barcelona) was a Spanish figure painter and goldsmith who was influenced by Orientalism.
