Eugenio Lucas Velázquez (1817-1870) - Scène goyesque
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Selected by Caroline Bokobza
Graduated as French auctioneer and worked in Sotheby’s Paris valuation department.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,000
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Description from the seller
Interesting genre-scene composition by the Madrid painter Eugenio Lucas Velázquez, one of the most singular personalities of Spanish Romantic painting in the 19th century and one of the main continuators of Francisco de Goya's artistic universe.
The scene depicts a group of popular characters gathered in an exterior space. In the center, a man appears seated or collapsed, surrounded and cared for by several figures who lean toward him. The attitude of the characters allows the episode to be interpreted as a scene of aid, drunkenness, conversation, or a popular altercation, maintaining a narrative ambiguity characteristic of genre and Goyaesque painting.
The composition is resolved through an extraordinarily free and spontaneous technique, based on washes, diluted brushstrokes, and vigorous dark lines. The artist alternates scarcely suggested zones with others defined by rapid and expressive lines, achieving an image of great vivacity, movement, and narrative force.
The main figures are concentrated in the central area, while the architectural and landscape surroundings appear only sketched. This economy of means allows the viewer's attention to focus on the gestures, attitudes, and relationships among the characters.
The work shows a marked influence of Francisco de Goya, both in the choice of popular types and in the ambiguous, grotesque, and slightly satirical tone of the scene. Lucas Velázquez frequently drew on subjects related to majos, processions, tavern scenes, condemned people, crowds, and episodes of popular life, reinterpreting the Goyesque imagination in his own way from a fully Romantic sensibility.
What stands out especially is the confidence of the drawing, visible in the quick characterization of faces, the hunched postures, and the folds of the garments. With few strokes, the artist manages to convey movement, tension, and a strong narrative dimension. The chromatic range, dominated by sepias, blacks, earth tones, and grays, reinforces the dramatic and ancient character of the composition.
The work bears the signature and date “E. Lucas, 1862” in the lower left corner.
About the artist
Eugenio Lucas Velázquez was born in Madrid in 1817 and died in the same city in 1870. He was one of the most personal painters of Spanish Romanticism and developed a language characterized by technical freedom, speed of execution, and a deep admiration for Francisco de Goya.
He cultivated genre painting, landscape, genre scenes, inquisitorial themes, processions, witches’ Sabbats, and numerous compositions of a fantastic or popular nature. He was especially valued for his ability to represent crowds, marginal types, and scenes full of movement, satire, and drama.
Although he was one of Goya’s principal followers, his work should not be understood as mere imitation. Lucas Velázquez transformed Goyesque models with a more impulsive brushwork, a freer pictorial matter, and a fully Romantic vision.
His technique is distinguished by the use of rapid brushstrokes, patches, scraping, washes, and nervous strokes. In his works on paper, these qualities reach special intensity, as the artist takes advantage of the support’s absorption and the tonal variations of the ink to create compositions with an immediate and spontaneous appearance.
Among his best-known works are popular scenes, Goyesque-inspired compositions, landscapes, and inquisitorial themes kept in important public and private collections.
Condition
The work shows signs typical of its age, including oxidation and darkening of the paper, stains, surface dirt, warping, wear, small losses, or edge irregularities.
Careful examination of the photographs is recommended, as they are an essential part of the description and show the actual state of conservation.
The frame is sent as a gift, with no commercial value. It may show edges, knocks, losses of gilding, cracks, restorations, dirt, or other defects arising from its age. The frame’s condition will not be a ground for complaint.
The work will be carefully packed to ensure its proper protection during transport.
Customs duties, tariffs, import taxes, processing fees, and any other charges required in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Shipping may incur additional surcharges in countries that require customs procedures or special import handling. The seller is not responsible for possible delays, seizures, or incidents arising from customs procedures.
Seller's Story
At ARTEMISA, we are passionately and professionally dedicated to the daily selection and auction of works of art, antiques and collectibles. Our experience in the sector allows us to offer unique and authentic pieces, carefully acquired from private collections and exclusive sources.
We have a wide stock covering a wide variety of styles and periods, designed to satisfy both experienced collectors and those looking to get started in the world of art.
Every piece tells a story and every auction is an opportunity to discover something special. Our goal is to connect art lovers with objects that inspire and enrich their collections.
Translated by Google TranslateInteresting genre-scene composition by the Madrid painter Eugenio Lucas Velázquez, one of the most singular personalities of Spanish Romantic painting in the 19th century and one of the main continuators of Francisco de Goya's artistic universe.
The scene depicts a group of popular characters gathered in an exterior space. In the center, a man appears seated or collapsed, surrounded and cared for by several figures who lean toward him. The attitude of the characters allows the episode to be interpreted as a scene of aid, drunkenness, conversation, or a popular altercation, maintaining a narrative ambiguity characteristic of genre and Goyaesque painting.
The composition is resolved through an extraordinarily free and spontaneous technique, based on washes, diluted brushstrokes, and vigorous dark lines. The artist alternates scarcely suggested zones with others defined by rapid and expressive lines, achieving an image of great vivacity, movement, and narrative force.
The main figures are concentrated in the central area, while the architectural and landscape surroundings appear only sketched. This economy of means allows the viewer's attention to focus on the gestures, attitudes, and relationships among the characters.
The work shows a marked influence of Francisco de Goya, both in the choice of popular types and in the ambiguous, grotesque, and slightly satirical tone of the scene. Lucas Velázquez frequently drew on subjects related to majos, processions, tavern scenes, condemned people, crowds, and episodes of popular life, reinterpreting the Goyesque imagination in his own way from a fully Romantic sensibility.
What stands out especially is the confidence of the drawing, visible in the quick characterization of faces, the hunched postures, and the folds of the garments. With few strokes, the artist manages to convey movement, tension, and a strong narrative dimension. The chromatic range, dominated by sepias, blacks, earth tones, and grays, reinforces the dramatic and ancient character of the composition.
The work bears the signature and date “E. Lucas, 1862” in the lower left corner.
About the artist
Eugenio Lucas Velázquez was born in Madrid in 1817 and died in the same city in 1870. He was one of the most personal painters of Spanish Romanticism and developed a language characterized by technical freedom, speed of execution, and a deep admiration for Francisco de Goya.
He cultivated genre painting, landscape, genre scenes, inquisitorial themes, processions, witches’ Sabbats, and numerous compositions of a fantastic or popular nature. He was especially valued for his ability to represent crowds, marginal types, and scenes full of movement, satire, and drama.
Although he was one of Goya’s principal followers, his work should not be understood as mere imitation. Lucas Velázquez transformed Goyesque models with a more impulsive brushwork, a freer pictorial matter, and a fully Romantic vision.
His technique is distinguished by the use of rapid brushstrokes, patches, scraping, washes, and nervous strokes. In his works on paper, these qualities reach special intensity, as the artist takes advantage of the support’s absorption and the tonal variations of the ink to create compositions with an immediate and spontaneous appearance.
Among his best-known works are popular scenes, Goyesque-inspired compositions, landscapes, and inquisitorial themes kept in important public and private collections.
Condition
The work shows signs typical of its age, including oxidation and darkening of the paper, stains, surface dirt, warping, wear, small losses, or edge irregularities.
Careful examination of the photographs is recommended, as they are an essential part of the description and show the actual state of conservation.
The frame is sent as a gift, with no commercial value. It may show edges, knocks, losses of gilding, cracks, restorations, dirt, or other defects arising from its age. The frame’s condition will not be a ground for complaint.
The work will be carefully packed to ensure its proper protection during transport.
Customs duties, tariffs, import taxes, processing fees, and any other charges required in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Shipping may incur additional surcharges in countries that require customs procedures or special import handling. The seller is not responsible for possible delays, seizures, or incidents arising from customs procedures.
Seller's Story
At ARTEMISA, we are passionately and professionally dedicated to the daily selection and auction of works of art, antiques and collectibles. Our experience in the sector allows us to offer unique and authentic pieces, carefully acquired from private collections and exclusive sources.
We have a wide stock covering a wide variety of styles and periods, designed to satisfy both experienced collectors and those looking to get started in the world of art.
Every piece tells a story and every auction is an opportunity to discover something special. Our goal is to connect art lovers with objects that inspire and enrich their collections.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Artist
Eugenio Lucas Velázquez (1817-1870)
Sold by
Gallery
Title of artwork
Scène goyesque
Technique
Mixed media
Signature
Signed
Country of origin
Spain
Condition
Fair condition
Height
39 cm
Width
28 cm
Depiction/theme
Day scene
Period
19th century
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