Portrait of a Man
Historical Context
Antonio María Esquivel was a leading Spanish Romantic painter based in Seville and later Madrid, known for his portraits and religious compositions. This 1843 portrait exemplifies the refined portraiture style that made Esquivel a favorite of the Spanish bourgeoisie and intellectual elite. He was a founding member of the Liceo Artístico y Literario de Madrid and painted many notable literary figures.
Technical Analysis
Esquivel's technique combines the smooth finish of Spanish academic painting with Romantic warmth in the flesh tones. The composition follows conventional portrait format with careful modeling of features against a neutral background.
Provenance
Presumably James Deering (died 1925), Miami, Florida; by descent to his nieces Mrs. Chauncey McCormick (née Marion Deering) and Mrs. R. E. Danielson (née Barbara Deering) [the painting is included in a shipment of 27 crates sent from Miami, Florida as joint property of the two sisters: RofO 9439 dated November 19, 1944 and itemized Receipt 8255 of December 19, 1944]; to Mrs. McCormick in the division of this property by 1956; gift to the Art Institute, 1956.
.jpg&width=600)