Artwork

Serenade

Serenade, by Mariano Fortuny Marsal, 1864
Serenade, by Mariano Fortuny Marsal, 1864

Serenade is a print by the Impressionist artist Mariano Fortuny Marsal. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Serenade is a print created by Mariano Fortuny around 1864. It depicts a nighttime street scene with figures in dark robes.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows three figures in the distance, one holding a staff, under a lantern's faint glow. The title Serenade suggests a quiet moment, but the figures appear to be in motion, leaving the scene's narrative open to interpretation.

Technique & Style

Fortuny employed strong chiaroscuro, using contrasts between light and dark to guide the viewer's eye through the composition. The dimly lit setting and atmospheric lighting are characteristic of his Romantic and Orientalist style.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Mariano Fortuny Marsal

Artist

Mariano Fortuny Marsal

Mariano Fortuny y Marsal (Catalan: Marià Fortuny i Marsal, pronounced ; June 11, 1838 – November 21, 1874) was a Spanish painter known for works focusing on Romantic fascination with Orientalist themes, historicist…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.