Alonso Martinez

ALONSO MARTÍNEZ (Burgos, 1825- Madrid, 1868).
"Portrait of a gentleman, ca. 1862-1868.
Oil on photograph.
With label of the establishment Alonso Martínez on the back.
Measurements: 15 x 13 cm; 27 x 24 cm (frame).

Alonso Martínez was a notable photographer from Madrid, especially active between 1857 and 1868. Brother of Manuel Martínez, who was a notable politician in the second half of the XIX century, Deputy and Minister of Development (1855-56) and also of Finances between 1865/66, Alonso studied painting in Burgos with Inocencio Borghini and later with Antonio María Esquivel, obtaining in 1856 the position of "Professor of natural drawing" in Santander. Later he dedicated himself to photography, learning the technique and thus belonging to the first generation of Spanish photographers. He dedicated himself to aristocratic portraits and portraits of the royal family. Some of his portraits are currently in the royal collection.