Artwork
El descanso en la marcha
El descanso en la marcha is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist José Benlliure y Gil. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
“El descanso en la marcha,” an oil on canvas painted in 1888 by Spanish artist José Benlliure y Gil, portrays a brief pause among troops on a battlefield. The work is part of the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display as a representation of late‑19th‑century military genre painting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition gathers a group of soldiers in blue coats and red trousers, some seated, others leaning against rocks, all appearing weary yet vigilant. A solitary figure in the centre raises a white flag, suggesting a momentary cease‑fire or surrender amid the surrounding activity of marching and combat under a muted sky.
Technique & Style
Benlliure employs a pronounced impasto, applying thick layers of paint that give the uniforms, weapons and stone a tactile solidity. The vigorous brushwork emphasizes the contrast between the rough terrain and the crisp detailing of the soldiers’ attire, while the subdued palette of blues, reds and earth tones reinforces the somber atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in the year José Benlliure y Gil was establishing his reputation as a painter of historical and genre scenes, the canvas entered the Prado’s holdings through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition. Its provenance traces back to private collections before being donated to the national museum, where it has been catalogued under the reference Q59843642.
Context
The painting reflects contemporary Spanish interest in depicting the human side of military life, a theme common in the post‑Carlist War period. By focusing on a fleeting respite rather than battle glory, Benlliure aligns with a broader European trend toward realism and empathy for the individual soldier’s experience.
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Artist & collection
Artist
José Benlliure y Gil (1855–1937) was an artist, born in Cabanyal-Canyamelar.
