Catalan school of the 19th century.

Catalan school of the XIX century.
"Portrait of a family.
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 80 x 94 cm; 96 x 110 cm (frame).

This family portrait is a magnificent example of the bourgeois portrait in the Catalan painting of the 19th century. The work presents a group portrait of four members of a well-to-do family inside their home. The composition is studied, but without being corseted. The father stands as the pillar of the family. His posture is firm and confident, with one hand resting on his hip, conveying authority and pride. His clothing, an elegant dark suit with vest and bow tie, reflects the fashion of the time.

The mother is the nerve center of the composition, welcoming her children around her. Her gaze is serene but with a touch of melancholy. Her voluminous and severe dress denotes her role as matron of the household.

The older daughter, standing in front of the sofa, looks at us with a serious and observant expression, typical of someone who is transitioning from childhood to adulthood. The younger daughter rests her head languidly on her mother's lap. In her hand she holds a string tied to a small floral toy fallen on the ground, a detail that may symbolize the fragility of childhood.

The interior defines the status of the family. The tiled floor with a geometric pattern in perspective demonstrates the painter's technical mastery. The moss-green walls are adorned with paintings, indicating the family's cultural sensitivity and economic capacity. The elegant mahogany sofa with blue upholstery, the side table and a decorative piece under a glass bell are symbols of prosperity and good taste.

The work is framed in an academic realism of great refinement. The painter defines with precision the contours, facial features and textures: brocades, lace, trimmings, velvets and jewels. The brushstroke is neat and practically invisible, seeking a smooth and enameled finish.