Artist: Circle of Antonio María Esquivel y Suárez de Urbina
Medium: Oil on Canvas (Relined)
Dimensions: 52 x 42 cm (20.5 x 16.5 inches)

Signature: Unsigned

Condition Report:

The painting has been relined for preservation. There are visible areas of repainting and some color cracks. Overall, the painting shows faults consistent with age and handling, but it remains stable.

Description:
This portrait is a refined example of the Romantic style championed by Antonio María Esquivel, one of the leading painters of Spanish Romanticism. Esquivel's mastery in capturing personality and character is evident in this piece, with the sitter's clothing, hairstyle, and demeanor reflecting the social and cultural norms of the time. The work features a sober palette of dark tones, applied with a precise, tight technique, emphasizing the Romantic preference for mood and individual expression.

Esquivel was renowned for his portraits, which not only showcased his technical skill but also offered a window into the society of his era. He was the most prolific and influential portraitist in Seville during the 19th century, and his works are housed in prestigious institutions like the Prado Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville. The subject's presence is both dignified and intimate, capturing the essence of Romantic portraiture.