Portrait Of A Spanish Woman: Costumbrismo, C. 1860

Portrait of a Spanish Woman, ca. 1860, oil on canvas. The pink or red scarf or ribbon tied at the back of the head (pañuelo), combined with the pear-shaped earrings (zarzillos) and the central brooch, evokes the regional or traditional costume of Spain (such as the traditional Castilian, Aragonese, or Andalusian attire of the 19th century). Her complexion, pronounced features, very dark, slicked-back hair, and austere expression correspond to the conventions of Spanish genre painting (costumbrismo), which was very popular from 1850 to 1900. At that time, Spain captivated all of Europe (particularly France under Napoleon III, who was married to Empress Eugénie de Montijo, of Spanish origin). Many French and Italian painters depicted “Spanish” types or “Spanish women in traditional dress.”
A few minor imperfections (painting and frame)