Artwork

Don Germán Gamazo y Calvo

Don Germán Gamazo y Calvo, by Francisco Maura y Montaner, oil, 1894
Don Germán Gamazo y Calvo, by Francisco Maura y Montaner, oil, 1894

Don Germán Gamazo y Calvo is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Francisco Maura y Montaner. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Francisco Maura y Montaner painted this oil portrait in 1894. The work is part of the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it is displayed among the museum’s 19th‑century Spanish paintings.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a man dressed in a dark military uniform accented with red and gold trim, his white collar and neatly trimmed mustache standing out against a somber backdrop. He rests one hand on a sword and gazes directly forward with a composed, serious expression, suggesting a position of authority within the armed forces.

Technique & Style

Maura employs a restrained palette, allowing the contrast between the dark fabric and the illuminated facial features to dominate the composition. Subtle chiaroscuro models the uniform’s folds and the metallic sheen of the sword, while the plain background isolates the figure, emphasizing rank and demeanor.

History & Provenance

Since its creation in the late 19th century, the portrait has remained in Spanish public collections, eventually entering the holdings of the Museo del Prado. Its accession reflects the museum’s effort to represent notable military figures and portraiture of the period.

Artist & collection

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.