Artwork

Antonio Ros Olano ministro de Comercio Instrucción y Obras Públicas

Antonio Ros Olano ministro de Comercio Instrucción y Obras Públicas is an oil painting by José Gutiérrez de la Vega. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1849 by Spanish artist José Gutiérrez de la Vega, portrays Antonio Ros de Olano, Minister of Commerce, Instruction, and Public Works, adorned with the Order of Isabella the Catholic. The work is part of the Museo del Prado's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Antonio Ros de Olano, is depicted in a formal, black and red military uniform with gold accents and a sword, conveying authority and importance. The setting, with a desk and papers behind him, suggests an official or professional context.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, to create depth and dimensionality. This technique, combined with the dark curtain background, imbues the portrait with a sense of gravity and solemnity.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1849, the work is attributed to José Gutiérrez de la Vega, a 19th-century Spanish painter known for portraiture and religious themes. It is currently housed in the Museo del Prado.

Context

The portrait reflects the artistic and social conventions of 19th-century Spanish portraiture, where formal attire and symbolic accessories (like the Order of Isabella the Catholic) signified the subject's status and achievements.

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Artist & collection

Artist

José Gutiérrez de la Vega

José Gutiérrez de la Vega y Bocanegra (26 December 1791 – December 1865) was a Spanish painter who specialized in portraits and religious subjects.

Museum

Museo del Prado

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