Madrid school of the XVII century.

Madrid School of the seventeenth century.
"Court scene in the palace garden".
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 108 x 166 cm; 123 x 139 cm (frame).

This painting is an excellent example of the genre and landscape painting developed by the Madrid school during the seventeenth century, in the middle of the Spanish Golden Age. The work represents a scene of leisure and recreation of the aristocracy in the gardens of a palace.

The composition is carefully structured in several planes to create a sense of depth and breadth. In the lower right, an elegantly dressed lady, accompanied by a knight and a lap dog, walks towards the viewer. To the left, other figures converse near large planters. Imposing, dark trees frame the scene on either side, a common compositional technique to direct the eye to the center and background of the painting, marking the perspective in a natural way.

A formal, geometrically designed garden is displayed, with well-defined rectangular flowerbeds, of French influence. Various groups of courtiers, dressed in the fashions of the time (golillas, wide-brimmed hats, sumptuous dresses), stroll and socialize. This detailed representation of courtly social life was a recurring theme.

In the distance, the architecture of a grand palace or royal residence can be glimpsed. Beyond, the landscape opens up to a river view with swans and a town or village on the opposite bank, all under a cloudy sky with pink and blue tones, bathed in the evening lights.

This work faithfully reflects the characteristics of the painting developed in Madrid around the Habsburg court, especially under the reign of Philip IV. In this respect, the Flemish influence is notable: the attention to detail, the taste for the broad landscape and the juicy representation of scenes of daily life (although in this case aristocratic) are a legacy of Flemish painting, highly appreciated at the Spanish court. Artists such as Jan Brueghel de Velours had a great influence on this type of composition.

The painting serves as a visual chronicle of court life. The settings are usually royal sites, such as the Buen Retiro Palace, its gardens, ponds and hermitages. This work could be representing precisely one of these places.

Earthy and dark tones predominate in the foreground (especially in the vegetation), which contrast sharply with the brightness of the background landscape and the bright colors of the characters' clothing. This use of color helps to create an atmospheric effect and to differentiate the planes.

The painting is a testimony to the atmosphere of the Spanish capital during the height of the Hapsburgs' power. These works exalted the way of life of the monarchy and its court, presenting an idealized image of order, leisure and sophistication. The place represented is probably one of the Royal Sites near Madrid, conceived as spaces for recreation and the ostentation of power.