Julio Romero de Torres Córdoba 1874-1930

Acquired privately by the present owner in the mid-1990s.

Original canvas. There are areas of scattered retouching visible under ultraviolet light, notably along the lower edge of the work and to the upper left and right. Apart from scattered fine craquelure, this work is in very good condition, with rich, deep tones and colours, and ready to hang.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The elegant pose of the sitter to the left of a classical column in the present work lies outside the typical canon of Romero de Torres' dark Andalusian beauties. Very likely the lover of the artist's friend Torres Arias, the lady's stance is notably formal and more portrait-like than his archetypal muses. The background includes no religious or local Cordoban reference, instead three roses replace the customary glimpse of a distant view of a specific church or place. The sitter does, however, wear the mantilla and peineta, accessories typically associated with the regional costume of Andalusia and of the female dancers of flamenco, both of which inspired the artist's work.

Women of all social classes posed for Romero at his easel, from prostitutes to society hostesses, and when he died, every shop, theatre and bar in Córdoba closed its doors and the whole city poured onto the streets for his funeral.