Artwork

María Teresa Moret

María Teresa Moret, by Joaquín Sorolla, oil, 1901
María Teresa Moret, by Joaquín Sorolla, oil, 1901

María Teresa Moret is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Joaquín Sorolla. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

María Teresa Moret is a portrait painted in oil by Joaquín Sorolla in 1901. Characteristic of Sorolla's Impressionist approach, the work emphasizes the interplay of light and atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman, María Teresa Moret, seated in a chair, distinguished by her dark, patterned dress, high collar, fur shawl, and neatly pulled-back hair. She holds a fan, suggesting a sense of elegance and composure. The plain, dark background focuses attention on the subject.

Technique & Style

Sorolla employed loose, visible brushstrokes to achieve texture and depth, particularly in the rendering of the dress. The painting utilizes chiaroscuro, with pronounced lighting that highlights the subject's face and hands, contrasting sharply with the surrounding shadows to create dramatic effect.

History & Provenance

Created in 1901, María Teresa Moret is part of Sorolla's oeuvre known for capturing Spanish light and figures. The work is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

Context

This portrait reflects Sorolla's affinity for Impressionist techniques, adapting them to portray contemporary Spanish life and individuals, often bathed in the country's distinctive luminosity.

Legacy

As part of Sorolla's body of work, María Teresa Moret contributes to the artist's reputation for skillfully depicting the effects of light and atmosphere, influencing the representation of Spanish culture in early 20th-century art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joaquín Sorolla

Artist

Joaquín Sorolla

Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (27 February 1863 – 10 August 1923) was a Spanish painter.

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.