Circle of Carlos Luis de Ribera (Rome, 1815 – Madrid, 1891) – Portrait of a Lady (circa 1850)

Artist: Attributed to the Circle of Carlos Luis de Ribera
Title: Portrait of a Lady
Date: Circa 1850
Medium: Oil on Canvas (Relined)
Dimensions: 74 x 57.5 cm
Condition Report: Visible damages and areas of repainting

Description:

This elegant 19th-century portrait depicts a regal and confident woman, her gaze directed defiantly at the viewer. The composition follows the classical tradition of portraiture, with the figure set against a neutral background, emphasizing her poised demeanor and refined features.

Her attire and elaborate hairstyle suggest high social status, despite her minimal adornments—aside from small earrings and flawless, pearlescent skin. The portrait’s delicate use of light and shading, combined with the subdued yet rich color palette, aligns it with the aesthetic ideals of Romanticism.

Artistic Context & Influence:

Carlos Luis de Ribera, son of artist Juan Antonio Ribera, was deeply connected to Spain’s aristocracy, with his godparents being King Charles IV and Queen Maria Luisa of Parma. His career flourished through:

• Winning First Prize at the San Fernando Academy at 15, securing scholarships in Rome and Paris.
• Becoming an honorary painter to Queen Isabella II.
• Exhibiting in Paris (1839–1855) and in Spain’s national art salons.
• Notable for portraiture, religious works, and literary subjects, though his French academic training ensured a classical and refined style.
• Working on grand-scale frescoes, including the Congress of Deputies in Madrid and the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande.

This piece, executed in the style of Ribera, showcases his academic precision, Romantic sensibility, and mastery of character portrayal.