Artwork

El marqués de Santillana (copia)

El marqués de Santillana (copia), by Gabriel Maureta Aracil, oil, 1889
El marqués de Santillana (copia), by Gabriel Maureta Aracil, oil, 1889

El marqués de Santillana (copia) is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Gabriel Maureta Aracil. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

This 1889 oil painting by Gabriel Maureta Aracil portrays a seated figure, identified as El Marqués de Santillana, in a contemplative setting surrounded by symbols of learning and faith.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, dressed in a black robe and adorned with a gold chain and cross, holds a small, ornately decorated red book. The overall composition conveys an atmosphere of solemnity and intellectual pursuit.

Technique & Style

The artist employed oil painting techniques, notably evident in the layered depiction of textures and the play of light on the subject's attire, the red book, and the draped curtain. The use of glazing may have been utilized to achieve depth and luminosity in the work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1889, the painting is part of the collection at the Museo del Prado, indicating its recognized historical and artistic value.

Context

The inclusion of a scroll with old-style writing, a shelf of books, and the subject's attire suggests a nod to historical or literary figures, placing the work within a tradition of portraying scholars or nobles in introspective, scholarly environments.

Legacy

As part of the Museo del Prado's holdings, the painting contributes to the institution's comprehensive display of Spanish artistic heritage, though its specific influence or broader impact on art history is not prominently distinguished in available records.

Artist & collection

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

Continue through works from the same source collection.

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