Who painted Miguel de Cervantes (copia)?

Miguel de Cervantes (copia) was painted by Eduardo Balaca in 1889.

Where can I see Miguel de Cervantes (copia)?

Miguel de Cervantes (copia) is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Miguel de Cervantes (copia)?

Miguel de Cervantes (copia) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Miguel de Cervantes (copia)?

Museum-quality prints of Miguel de Cervantes (copia) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Miguel de Cervantes (copia)

Eduardo Balaca , 1889

Miguel de Cervantes (copia) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Eduardo Balaca. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. Created in 1889, this oil portrait presents a likeness of Miguel de Cervantes.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1889, this oil portrait presents a likeness of Miguel de Cervantes. The work is part of the Prado Museum’s holdings and is linked to the broader currents of late‑19th‑century Impressionism, though it retains a conventional approach to portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown with dark hair, a moustache, and a neutral gaze that meets the viewer directly. He wears a brown, buttoned jacket and a white, ruffled collar, suggesting a modest yet dignified presentation of the celebrated Spanish writer.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting displays a relatively smooth handling of paint, allowing for a rich surface texture. The background is a uniform dark tone, which isolates the figure and emphasizes the subtle tonal variations of the face and clothing, characteristic of the period’s interest in light and color.

Context

Eduardo Balaca, a Spanish portraitist active in the late 1800s, also taught art and produced decorative works. He came from a lineage of painters; his brother Ricardo Balaca was known for battle scenes, indicating a family deeply engaged in the visual arts of the era.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving representations of key literary figures alongside works by Spanish painters of the same period.

Sir Dudley Carleton, Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt

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Artist & collection

Artist

Eduardo Balaca

Eduardo Balaca y Orejas-Canseco (c. 1840–1914) was a Spanish portrait painter, decorative artist, and art teacher. His brother was the battle painter, Ricardo Balaca.