The Last Song ("El aria final") 1807 - 1845

"The Last Song," or "El aria final", was created by Leonardo Alenza at an unknown date, using pen and brown ink on laid paper. Alenza lived during a time of political turmoil in Spain, marked by shifting powers and social unrest. His art often critiqued the social and political issues of his time. In this scene, we see a performer on what appears to be a stage, dramatically holding a piece of sheet music. At his feet, a fallen bull suggests the end of a bullfight, perhaps a metaphor for the end of an era or tradition. The leering faces in the background add a layer of cynicism, hinting at the dark underbelly of entertainment and society's fascination with spectacle. Alenza captures a sense of disillusionment and the grotesque. The artwork resonates with the artist's experience of a society in decay, inviting reflection on the cost of entertainment and the masks we wear in public life.