Artwork

Antes de continuar el retrato

Antes de continuar el retrato, by Pedro Rodríguez de la Torre, oil, 1888
Antes de continuar el retrato, by Pedro Rodríguez de la Torre, oil, 1888

Antes de continuar el retrato is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Pedro Rodríguez de la Torre. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a woman seated before an easel, engaged in portraiture, while a small dog rests at her feet.

The painting depicts a woman seated before an easel, engaged in portraiture, while a small dog rests at her feet. A mirror to the side reflects part of the studio interior, and a clock indicates the passage of time. A book and an unframed canvas lie nearby, suggesting the preparatory stages of artistic practice.

These elements combine to emphasize the act of creation and the artist’s environment. The mirror image and the tools of painting underscore self-reflection and the iterative nature of artistic work, while the inclusion of a pet subtly humanizes the scene.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1876, this portrait by Pedro Rodríguez de la Torre is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 58 cm in height and 89 cm in width. Stylistically, the composition incorporates a complex arrangement of objects including a mirror, a book, a clock, and another painting, utilizing the reflection in the mirror to depict a mirror image within the scene.

These elements combine to create a layered visual narrative typical of the genre, grounded in the realistic rendering of materials and spatial depth.

History & Provenance

Antes de continuar el retrato is an oil painting on canvas created in 1876 by Spanish artist Pedro Rodríguez de la Torre. The work measures 58 cm by 89 cm and depicts a mirror, a book, a painting, a clock and their reflections. Executed in the portrait genre, it was produced during the late nineteenth‑century period identified in the artist’s catalogue.

Following its creation, the painting entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display in Madrid. The museum’s records indicate the acquisition occurred shortly after the artist’s death, establishing the institution as the current owner.

The painting Antes de continuar el retrato by Pedro Rodríguez de la Torre is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. Created in 1876, the work is an oil on canvas portrait measuring 58 cm in height and 89 cm in width. The provided sources identify the museum as the current location of the artwork but do not list a specific inventory or accession number. Additionally, the available documentation contains no record of the work's exhibition history.

Overview

Antes de continuar el retrato, an oil painting by Pedro Rodríguez de la Torre from 1888, presents a detailed interior scene. The artwork captures a moment in an artist's studio, featuring a painter at work surrounded by various figures and objects. This genre scene provides a glimpse into the creative process and social environment of the late 19th century. The painting is part of the collection at the Museo del Prado.

Context

Created in the late 19th century, this painting offers insight into the artistic practices and social dynamics of the period. The meticulous rendering of clothing and studio elements grounds the scene historically. The inclusion of the artist's reflection within the mirror is a significant detail, illustrating a common artistic device and perhaps alluding to the self-referential aspects of painting, where the creator's perspective is inherently part of the depicted reality.

The Art Gallery of Josephus Augustinus Brentano
The Art Gallery of Josephus Augustinus Brentano, Adriaan de Lelie

Artist & collection

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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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 Antes de continuar el retrato?

Antes de continuar el retrato was painted by Pedro Rodríguez de la Torre in 1876-01-01.

Where can I see Antes de continuar el retrato?

Antes de continuar el retrato is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Antes de continuar el retrato?

Antes de continuar el retrato is associated with Impressionism.