Artwork

Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua

Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua, by Juan Carreño de Miranda, oil
Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua, by Juan Carreño de Miranda, oil

Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua is an oil painting by the Spanish Baroque Tenebrist artist Juan Carreño de Miranda. It is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Technique & Style

The figure is depicted full-length, dressed in a red garment with floral motifs, set against a neutral background that concentrates focus on the subject.

Executed in oil on canvas in 1680, the portrait measures 165 cm in height and 107 cm in width. The handling belongs to the Spanish Baroque, characterized by careful modeling of form and attention to the sitter’s costume. The figure is depicted full-length, dressed in a red garment with floral motifs, set against a neutral background that concentrates focus on the subject. The technique emphasizes naturalistic detail and restrained chiaroscuro to articulate the child’s presence.

There is a pendant work, La monstrua desnuda, depicting the same sitter unclothed, also by Carreño de Miranda and held by the same institution.

History & Provenance

The painting, titled *La monstrua vestida*, was created by the Spanish artist Juan Carreño de Miranda in 1680. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 165 cm in height and 107 cm in width. It depicts Eugenia Martínez Vallejo, a young girl historically referred to as "la Monstrua" due to her physical condition, dressed in a red gown with floral motifs. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. A companion portrait of the same subject, titled *La monstrua desnuda*, also exists and was likely produced as part of the same commissioning context.

The painting known as *La monstrua vestida* is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. While the specific inventory or accession number is not provided in the available sources, the work is confirmed to be part of the museum's permanent holdings and is described on the institution's official website. The piece was created by Juan Carreño de Miranda in 1680 and depicts Eugenia Martínez Vallejo. The sources indicate the work is currently on view at the Prado, though no specific past or future exhibition history beyond its general display at the museum is detailed in the provided texts.

Eugenia Martínez Vallejo, desnuda
Eugenia Martínez Vallejo, desnuda, Juan Carreño de Miranda

Artist & collection

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua?

Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua was painted by Juan Carreño de Miranda.

Where can I see Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua?

Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua?

Eugenia Martinez Valleji, called La Monstrua is associated with Spanish Baroque Tenebrist.