Artwork
El pintor Enrique Mélida y Alinari togado
El pintor Enrique Mélida y Alinari togado is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ignacio Suárez Llanos. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1864 by Spanish painter Ignacio Suárez Llanos, this oil portrait belongs to the Realist tradition and is part of the Museo del Prado’s collection. The canvas presents a formally dressed gentleman, rendered with meticulous attention to texture and expression, inviting close observation of his demeanor and attire.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown in a striking red cape over black clothing, holding a small black box. Short brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard frame his direct gaze toward the viewer, conveying a sense of authority and composure. The dark backdrop heightens the contrast, emphasizing the figure’s prominence.
Technique & Style
Suárez Llanos employs a finely detailed brushwork that captures the intricate folds of the cape and subtle facial nuances. The realistic handling of light and shadow creates a three‑dimensional presence, while the restrained palette of dark tones punctuated by the vivid red reflects the Realist emphasis on truthful representation.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Museo del Prado’s holdings after its creation, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Suárez Llanos, known for portraiture, aligns with his broader oeuvre of mid‑nineteenth‑century Spanish realism, documenting both the artist’s skill and the social standing of the depicted individual.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ignacio Suárez Llanos (31 July 1830 in Gijón – 25 December 1881 in Madrid) was a Spanish painter and illustrator who specialized in portraits.
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