Attributed to Bernardo López

Attributed to BERNARDO LÓPEZ (Valencia, 1799 - Madrid, 1874).
"Portrait of a lady", c. 1890.
Oil on canvas.
Presents flaws in the pictorial surface.
It has a period frame.
Measurements: 95 x 64 cm; 118 x 87 cm (frame).
This portrait attributed to Bernardo López Piquer clearly reflects the distinctive qualities of the refined academicism that characterized both the artist and the famous pictorial dynasty to which he belonged. The painter demonstrates special virtuosity in the treatment of textures.
Bernardo López Piquer, a member of an outstanding dynasty of 19th century painters headed by Vicente López, was trained in a privileged artistic environment that led him towards academic portraiture. After entering the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in 1825, he developed a solid institutional career that led him to become director of studies and later president of the Painting section. His proximity to the court, facilitated by his collaboration with his father, earned him in 1843 the title of honorary chamber painter of Isabel II and, in 1858, the title of First Chamber Painter. His style, heir to the precision and elegance of Vicente López, made him one of the most prestigious portraitists of his time. Today, his works are kept in institutions such as the Prado Museum, the Royal Academy of San Fernando and various public and private collections, where he continues to be valued for his contribution to the Spanish historicist portrait of the 19th century.