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202 - Portrait of a jester with a dog. A follower of Diego Rodrígu…
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Estimate €2,500 - €5,000
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Description
Portrait of a jester with a dog. A follower of Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez. 19th century Oil on canvas. Dimensions 140 x 105 cm. A full-length portrait of a courtier, traditionally identified with the type of jester depicted by Velázquez, accompanied by a large dog at his side in a composition characterised by marked sobriety and psychological depth. The figure is dressed in elegant Baroque-inspired attire, notable for its wide white collar, puffed sleeves and rich textiles, whilst holding a feathered hat and the dog’s lead. The dog’s presence introduces an element of intimacy and humanity that balances the solemnity of the scene and reinforces the individuality of the sitter. The dark, barely defined background draws attention to the relationship between the two figures, fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and quiet introspection. The composition is structured through a delicate balance between verticals and diagonals, lending visual stability to the whole and allowing the sitter’s expression to take centre stage. The artistic quality of the work is evident in the artistry of the restrained lighting effects, the psychological characterisation of the model, and the free interpretation of textures, particularly visible in the fabrics, the dog’s fur, and the contrasts between light and shadow. Stylistically, the painting draws direct inspiration from the models created by Diego Velázquez for the Habsburg court, reviving one of the most innovative aspects of his work: the dignification of marginalised figures through a pictorial treatment traditionally reserved for members of the nobility. Painted by a follower of the Sevillian master during the 19th century, the work is situated within the context of the academic re-evaluation of Velázquez and the systematic study of his compositions at the Prado Museum, a phenomenon that spurred the creation of numerous versions and interpretations of his most celebrated models. It stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring ...
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About the sale GRAND SUMMER AUCTION OF HAUTE ÉPOQUE AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 4:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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