Artwork

La siesta

La siesta, by Marcos Hiráldez Acosta, oil, 1864
La siesta, by Marcos Hiráldez Acosta, oil, 1864

La siesta is an oil painting by the Realist artist Marcos Hiráldez Acosta. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

La siesta is an oil painting created by Marcos Hiráldez Acosta in 1864. It is part of the Museo del Prado's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a reclining nude woman, lost in thought, with her body softly rendered in gentle curves. Her pose, with one arm resting under her head and the other across her body, conveys a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, emphasizing the play of light and shadow on the subject's skin. The dark background, with hints of green and brown, further enhances this effect, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene.

Artist & collection

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.