Faces of an Era: Portraits in the FUNDOS Collection
Explore the evolution of portraiture from the 19th and 20th centuries through the FUNDOS Collection, a reflection of the social and artistic diversity of its time.
The Mirror of Society in the FUNDOS Collection
The richness of this collection’s portraits reveals a broad social spectrum, from the lower classes to the aristocracy, even including royal portraiture.
Eugenio Oliva’s Preliminary Studies
Beyond the finished portrait lies an often-overlooked stage: the transition from sketch to completed work. In these studies, Eugenio Oliva experimented with flat backgrounds and loose brushstrokes to refine facial expressions on canvas.
Man's head I (Ca. 1879) by Eugenio Oliva RodrigoCasa Botines Gaudí Museum
Due to his reputation as a muralist, he produced a significant number of preparatory drawings, essential for translating his concepts into large-scale murals.
The Satire and Costumbrismo of Domingo Muñoz Cuesta
Domingo Muñoz was one of the underappreciated masters of his time. With remarkable artistic skill and expertise in various techniques, he focused on illustrating scenes and vignettes for newspapers and magazines.
A veteran in Flanders (Ca. 1885) by Domingo Muñoz CuestaCasa Botines Gaudí Museum
His career was shaped by financial necessity, leading him to work with modest materials and portray humble characters and everyday life with great sensitivity.
The Impressionist Influence of Francisco Domingo y Marqués
Shaped by his time in Paris, Francisco Domingo developed a portrait style defined by short, vibrant brushstrokes. His small-format, refined compositions captured the spirit of his time with elegance.
Portrait of Man (Ca. 1910) by Francisco Domingo MarquésCasa Botines Gaudí Museum
Unlike Domingo Muñoz, Francisco gained academic recognition, allowing him a more comfortable life. His success is reflected in his use of fine materials and his focus on portraying figures of high social standing.
Asterio Mañanós and the Bourgeois Portrait
Asterio Mañanós’ work is characterized by precise brushwork and restrained lines. His realistic style, marked by a masterful command of light and color, captured the essence of the political and bourgeois society of his era.
Portrait of P. Herrero (1880) by Asterio Mañanós MartínezCasa Botines Gaudí Museum
As a painter transitioning from noble portraiture to political representation, he was commissioned to depict key parliamentary sessions, establishing himself as a leading artist of the new ruling class.
Vicente López Portaña and the Portrait of Ferdinand VII
Following in the footsteps of great masters such as Titian, Velázquez, and Goya, Vicente López Portaña became the court’s official portraitist.
Portrait of King Ferdinand VII of Spain (Ca. 1830) by Vicente López PortañaCasa Botines Gaudí Museum
His exceptional talent for drawing and skillful rendering of textures made him one of the most influential Spanish artists of the 19th century.
His technical precision and growing prestige led him to portray the most prominent figures of his time, securing his place in art history.
Selección y texto: Federico Arias Ortiz
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