Artwork

Noble Woman with Her Black Slave (Sra. principal con su negra esclava)

Noble Woman with Her Black Slave (Sra. principal con su negra esclava) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Vicente Albán. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Noble Woman with Her Black Slave is an 18th-century oil painting by Vicente Albán, a prominent figure in the Quiteña School. Created in 1792, it exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing the nuances of social hierarchy and cultural identity.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a high-ranking woman accompanied by an enslaved Black girl, highlighting the contrast between their social statuses through their attire and accessories. The detailed representation of clothing and jewelry underscores the artist's attention to the cultural and social nuances of his time.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the work showcases Albán's affinity with the Rococo style, characterized by its use of vibrant colors and ornate detail. The painting's composition and color palette, including a blue sky with clouds and birds, contribute to its visually striking effect.

History & Provenance

The painting was commissioned as part of a series documenting local customs and flora, initiated by José Celestino Mutis. It is now part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's collection, serving as a significant example of 18th-century Latin American art.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Vicente Albán

Vincente Albán (1725 in Quito, Ecuador - Unknown) was an Ecuadorian painter, member of the Quiteña School, noted for his idealized paintings of Indigenous (Yumbo people) and Latin American-born people in their native outfits.