Artwork
The Meadow of San Isidro
The Meadow of San Isidro is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist José del Castillo. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
José del Castillo, a Madrid‑based painter and engraver, completed *The Meadow of San Isidro* in 1793. Executed in oil, the work captures a bustling open‑air gathering on a verdant meadow, populated by figures in both elaborate and modest attire, a horse‑drawn carriage, and a small ensemble playing a guitar. The painting is part of the Prado Museum’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a lively social scene set in a pastoral landscape, where men and women mingle, converse, and relax on the grass. The inclusion of a carriage and musicians suggests a festive outing, while the contrast between richly dressed participants and those in simpler garments hints at a cross‑section of contemporary society enjoying leisure in a shared public space.
Technique & Style
Although Castillo received Neoclassical training, the composition reflects Rococo sensibilities through its light palette, fluid brushwork, and emphasis on movement. The artist employs delicate glazing to achieve a warm glow on faces and fabrics, allowing colors to merge softly and convey the atmosphere of a sunlit afternoon.
History & Provenance
Created toward the end of the 18th century, the painting was likely intended for a private collector or royal patron, consistent with Castillo’s work on tapestry designs for the Spanish court. It entered the Museo del Prado’s holdings in the 20th century, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Spanish painting collection.
Context
The work belongs to a period when Spanish art was transitioning from strict Neoclassicism to a more decorative Rococo approach, especially in genre scenes depicting everyday life. Castillo’s dual role as painter and engraver placed him at the intersection of courtly commissions and popular visual culture, influencing the painting’s blend of refined technique and convivial subject matter.
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Artist & collection
Artist
José del Castillo (14 October 1737, Madrid - 5 October 1793, Madrid) was a Spanish painter and engraver in the Neoclassical style. Many of his paintings were done for tapestries.
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