Who painted Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar?

Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar was painted by Francisco Maura y Montaner in 1898.

Where can I see Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar?

Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar?

Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar?

Museum-quality prints of Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar

Francisco Maura y Montaner , 1898

Antonio Maura ministro de Ultramar is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Francisco Maura y Montaner. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. Created in 1898, this oil on canvas portrays Antonio Maura in his capacity as Minister of Overseas Affairs.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1898, this oil on canvas portrays Antonio Maura in his capacity as Minister of Overseas Affairs. Executed by Francisco Maura y Montaner, the work is part of the Museo del Prado’s collection and presents a formal portrait of the Spanish statesman in a dark, richly trimmed uniform.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown seated, his white-collared uniform contrasting sharply with the black jacket and gold‑lined epaulettes. One hand rests on a table while the other holds a white glove, a detail that may allude to ceremonial duties. A blurred stack of books behind him suggests an association with documentation, legislation, or scholarly activity linked to his ministerial role.

Technique & Style

Maura y Montaner employs a restrained chiaroscuro, using a focused light source to model the subject’s face and attire against a muted, dark backdrop. The precise rendering of the uniform’s texture and the subtle gradations of shadow convey a sense of authority while maintaining a modest, almost documentary tone.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the portrait has remained in Spanish public collections, eventually entering the holdings of the Museo del Prado. Its attribution to Francisco Maura y Montaner, a lesser‑known painter of the late nineteenth century, is documented in the museum’s catalogues.

Context

The painting was produced during a period when Spain was grappling with its colonial possessions, and Maura’s appointment as Minister of Overseas Affairs placed him at the center of debates over imperial policy. The inclusion of books and the formal uniform reflects the bureaucratic and intellectual climate of the era.