Spanish school, following French models; mid XVIII... Lot n° 38

Spanish school, following French models; mid XVIII century. "Winter". Oil on canvas. Presents faults, repainting, and frame of the twentieth century Charles IV style. Measurements: 110 x 97 cm; 132 x 120 cm (frame). In this scene of costumbrista character the author represents several young people enjoying the snow, being one of the ladies seated in a sled, driven by the other protagonists. The scene is reminiscent of several artistic works, including the scene of Madame Pompadour by Boucher, or the illustrations of Marie Antoinette and the Duchess of Polignac by Alexander Dumas. Queen Marie Antoinette's love of sledging was well known, a hobby instilled by her father. When the queen traveled to the French court, she wanted to transfer the amusement to the French winters, however, this pastime became a matter of state and an object of mockery and criticism of the young Marie Antoinette, since it was considered an Austrian pastime, which disassociated the court from the French customs. After the bad reception, the queen decided not to enjoy this pastime again. In this scene the protagonists wear clothes that identify them within a high social rank, showing that it is a leisure activity reserved for the court and royalty. The children seem to enjoy themselves, except for the protagonist sitting on the sled, who looks at the viewer with a serious and defiant gesture despite her young age.