Select the image to zoomTeodora Lamadrid
1852
Federico de Madrazo y Küntz (1815-1894)
Oil on canvas
67 x 43 cm
Born in Rome to the Spanish painter, José de Madrazo, Federico de Madrazo y Küntz began his artistic training with his father. Federico subsequently traveled to France where he met Ingres, who would become a lifelong friend and admirer. The young Madrazo then went on to Rome for further study. Thus steeped in the international art circle, he returned to Spain and began a successful career primarily as a portrait painter—although he would also serve as director of the Prado.
In this beautiful, small canvas, Madrazo depicts the actress in the role of Adrienne Lecouvreur from the play by Scribe and Legouve. When he painted the portrait, the drama was still a novelty, having been written only three years before. The work includes several historical characters, including the protagonist, Adrienne Lecouvreur (1692-1730) who was an actress in Comédie Française; its plot of intrigues and jealousy leading to the heroine's death is, however, fictitious. Madrazo portrays Lamadrid as the actress, standing on stage with dignity in an elaborate and luxurious costume which he renders with consummate skill. Through her pose and attire, the artist suggests an attractive and commanding presence eminently suited for the role. Madrazo painted a pendant to this picture, a portrait of the actor Joaquín Arjona y Ferrer, which is also in the Hispanic Society.
Text and images © Hispanic Society of America.