Artwork

Maja sevillana

Maja sevillana, by José Gutiérrez de la Vega, oil, 1855
Maja sevillana, by José Gutiérrez de la Vega, oil, 1855

Maja sevillana is an oil painting by José Gutiérrez de la Vega. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Maja sevillana is an 1855 oil painting by Spanish artist José Gutiérrez de la Vega, housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The work depicts a reclining nude woman set against a dark background with a faint landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a serene and calm nude woman, engages the viewer with a direct gaze. Her relaxed pose on contrasting red and white cloths conveys tranquility, while her slight rightward turn adds subtle dynamism.

Technique & Style

The painting showcases Gutiérrez de la Vega's mastery of chiaroscuro, employing strong contrasts between light and dark to sculpt the subject's form and imbue the scene with depth and dimensionality.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1855, Maja sevillana has been part of the Museo del Prado's collection in Madrid, reflecting the institution's commitment to preserving Spanish artistic heritage.

Artist & collection

Portrait of José Gutiérrez de la Vega

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.

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.