Artwork
Aurelio
Aurelio is an oil painting by Eduardo Cano. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The subject is shown holding a sword and wearing a royal mantle, accompanied by a crown, which collectively signify his sovereign status and authority.
The painting depicts Aurelius of Asturias, a historical monarch, portrayed with specific royal regalia. The subject is shown holding a sword and wearing a royal mantle, accompanied by a crown, which collectively signify his sovereign status and authority. These iconographic elements establish the work as a representation of kingship and the historical figure's role as a ruler.
The composition focuses entirely on the individual, utilizing these symbols to convey the weight of his office and lineage within the context of Asturian history.
Technique & Style
The painting is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for 19th‑century Spanish portraiture. Its formal qualities reflect the academic realism of the period, with precise rendering of the sitter's features and the intricate details of the royal mantle and crown. The handling of light emphasizes the texture of the fabric, while the composition balances the figure against a muted background, drawing attention to the symbolic attributes of authority.
History & Provenance
The work was painted by Eduardo Cano in 1853, as recorded by both the artist’s dated title and the Prado’s 1853 inception date.
It has remained in the collection of the Museo del Prado since its creation, where it is currently located. The canvas measures 225 cm in height and 140 cm in width.
The painting Aurelio by Eduardo Cano is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Created in 1853, the work is executed in oil on canvas and measures 225 cm in height by 140 cm in width. The piece depicts Aurelius of Asturias adorned with a sword, royal mantle, and crown.
While the artwork's current location and physical attributes are documented, the provided sources do not contain specific inventory numbers or details regarding its exhibition history.
Overview
Eduardo Cano de la Peña, a Spanish painter working within the Romantic vein, completed the oil painting Aurelio in 1853. The work portrays a regal figure on a stone platform against a distant landscape, and it is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Eduardo Cano de la Peña (1823, Madrid - 4 April 1897, Seville) was a Spanish painter in the Romantic style; specializing in historical scenes.
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