Raimundo de Madrazo

Sale: Christie's, London, 4 & 5 June 1970, lot 63 (erroneously catalogued as by Frederic [sic] Madrazo)
Purchased at the above sale by the parents of the present owner

This painting is in good condition and its appearance could be further enhanced if desired with a surface clean. The panel has been cradled and is flat, even, and ensuring a stable structural support. There appear to be some artist's pentimenti just visible to the left of the figure. The old varnish fluoresces evenly and quite opaquely under ultraviolet light, however there appear to be only some minor scattered spots of retouching in the shadows around the base of the guitar, in the background, and near the upper framing edge. Some of the white pigments in the figure's lap appear to fluoresce under U-V light, however these certainly appear to be the artist's original pigments and not retouching. Held in a decorative gilt frame.
"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."

Representing the third generation of Spain's most enduring dynasty of artists begun by his grandfather José and his father Federico, Raimundo de Madrazo was the most distinguished figure of the 'Spanish School' in Paris. Settling there in 1862, Madrazo specialised in female portraiture, with the sitter often placed in a refined and exquisite setting. In the present work, Aline Mason, his favourite model and daughter of the concierge at the Marquis Casa Riera' hôtel particulier in Paris, is captured playing the guitar.

The influence of Madrazo's close friend and brother-in-law, Mariano Fortuny, is clearly evident in this work in the wealth of detail and mastery of colour and texture, from Aline's porcelain skin to the rendering of white and the vibrancy of the background. 'Madrazo's portraiture is of that accomplished order that raises it to eminence; grace and fine drawing, colour and strength, are seen united to enable depiction of character, and his works present an air of completion in which refinement and vivacity are noticeable attributes' (Alfred George Temple, Modern Spanish Paintings, London, 1906, p. 60).