Study from Life for the Portrait of King Alfons XIII 

This study by Ramón Casas, a prominent Catalan artist, was created as a preparatory piece for the official portrait of King Alfons XIII of Spain. The painting captures the king’s likeness with a stark simplicity, highlighted by a dark, shadowed face against a deep red background. The subtle brushstrokes and realistic depiction showcase Casas’s mastery of portraiture, capturing a sense of formality and authority befitting the subject. The study exemplifies Casas's characteristic style, often featuring bold colors and dramatic lighting, and his work frequently depicted contemporary Spanish society. This piece, while not the final portrait, offers valuable insights into Casas’s artistic process and the depiction of royalty during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.