Clotilde, Marquessa de Acricollar 1892

Raimundo de Madrazo painted Clotilde, Marquessa de Acricollar, using oil on canvas. The painting epitomizes the art of portraiture in the late 19th century, a period marked by the rise of industrial capitalism and its profound effects on society, and where an increased division of labor and mass production transformed the ways in which goods were produced and consumed. Madrazo's style, characterized by loose brushwork and a focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light, reflects these changes of modern life. There is a certain amount of work involved in the production process, and an aesthetic focused on superficial beauty and glamour, echoing a culture of consumption and display. By appreciating the materials, making, and context of Madrazo's portrait, we gain a richer understanding of its meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.