Spanish school (XIX) - Retrato de Dama

Magnificent and Monumental Oil on Canvas (142x111 cm) – "Portrait of a Lady of Isabeline High Society" – Spanish School (c. 1845) – Extraordinary Provenance

TECHNICAL DATA
Author: Spanish School
Style: Romantic Isabeline Portrait
Era: c. 1845 - 1850 (Reign of Isabel II / High Romanticism)

Technique: Oil on canvas
Canvas dimensions: 126 x 96 cm
Framed dimensions (Total): 142 x 111 cm
Provenance: Excellent and well-documented provenance from a high private collection.

Historically, the work belonged to the family heritage of Augusto Fernández de Avilés y García-Alcalá, librarian to H.M. King Alfonso XIII. Subsequently, the canvas was transmitted by direct inheritance to his grandson, the renowned archaeologist and director of the National Archaeological Museum, Augusto Fernández de Avilés (1908-1968), bearing on the reverse a handwritten pencil inscription linking the piece to the distribution of the Fernández de Avilés - Delgado family estate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK
A majestic work of imposing grandeur. This monumental oil on canvas from the Spanish School depicts a high-society lady of the mid-19th century at nearly life-size.

The piece is an exceptional testament to Romantic Isabeline portraiture, notable for its sublime psychological charge and a magnetic, direct, penetrating gaze that immediately captivates the viewer. The figure is masterfully delineated against a neutral, shadowed background, in a clear and elegant assimilation of the great classical Spanish pictorial tradition.

The technical execution is a display of virtuosity: the sumptuous treatment of the hairstyle arranged in buns, the tactile transparency of the lace at the neck and cuffs, and the meticulous detail of the fan’s rods demonstrate the hand of a first‑order master.

Sentimental Jewelry and Distinction Details
The refinement of the work is evident in the jewelry worn by the depicted lady: refined chandelier earrings and a beautiful bracelet of romantic embroidery boasting a central gold-cut closure. In this piece of metalwork, visible in detail photographs, lies an exclusive period monogram engraved, acting as an extraordinary seal of distinction, personalization, and authenticity of the family lineage. A piece of museum-worthy magnitude.

Monumental Presence and Remarkable Impact: With total dimensions of 142 x 111 cm, it possesses a visual force and decorativ e power that are overwhelming, ideal for high-end decoration projects and selective collecting.

Impeccable Historical Pedigree: Direct provenance from one of Spain’s brightest cultural and intellectual lineages, closely tied to the royal court through the position of Librarian to H.M. King Alfonso XIII.

Exclusivity of the Monogram: The painted bracelet includes an engraved period monogram, a highly valued customization detail in the auction market that ties family history to the artwork itself.

Magnificent Period Frame: Includes its original mid-19th-century frame in carved, stuccoed and gold-plated wood with real gold leaf, finished with ornamental terminals that amplify the piece’s packaging.

CONDITION AND FLAWS / CONDITION
The work is presented in a fair/stable state of conservation, proudly showing the patina of time and the logical traces of its material history over nearly 180 years:
Support (Reverse): The original linen canvas shows the natural tension marks of age.
It has four old patches on the back, placed during past family interventions to repair old tears. The sutures are fully consolidated and stable.
Paint Layer (Front): Shows mature, closed, 100% natural craquelure across the surface. Some old localized retouches and remnants of old resin are visible on parts of the face, clearly visible in detail photographs.
Surface: The varnish is unevenly oxidized by decades. Technical note: A professional cleaning of these old varnishes would spectacularly reveal the original luminosity and the velvety nuances of the face’s flesh tones.
Frame: The gold leaf frame shows wear, scuffs, and small localized losses in the stucco with age, which do not detract from its imposing presence.

SHIPPING MANAGEMENT
We implement a professional packing and specialized art shipping protocol:
- Protection of the canvas with acid-free material.
- Multilayer padding and reinforced transport box.
- Insured shipping with tracking.
- Packaging prepared according to art and antiquities transport standards.
- The aim is to ensure the work arrives in perfect condition.

Professional Commitment
We are specialists in art, antiques, and collectible objects, with extensive experience in management, cataloging, and commercializing artistic pieces.
- Rigorous and honest descriptions.
- Real photographs of the offered work.
- Direct attention and specialized advice.
- Seriousness and professionalism throughout the process.
- Our commitment is to offer authentic pieces with maximum transparency and trust for the collector.

Frame:
If the frame is specified by photo and data that it is included, it is attached as part of the sale and as a gift accompanying the painting; no complaints or returns are accepted in case of transport damage.