Focus on this artwork and analyze the Description and Art Historical Analysis.
The Spanish Wedding is a painting of the signing of the wedding license or registry after the marriage ceremony. Weddings and church scenes were a popular subject during the 19th century. The Spanish Wedding highlights Fortuny's abilities. Central to the action are the bride and groom, surrounded by friends and family. The priest; two gentlemen at the end of the table; and the older couple, on the bench to the right, look on as the groom signs the documents, thereby creating emphasis on the center of the painting.Fortuny's use of color and light illustrates his inspiration by the artist Goya. The contrast of the dark interior with the light colors of the wedding party contrast sharply, much like the 17th century Dutch masters that Fortuny examined as a student.While the painting was created in 1870, the clothing, like many genre paintings, is inspired by an historical time period. In this case, Fortuny references the 18th century, in the style of the men's clothing, and the women's accessories. The women's dresses follow the silhouette of the late 19th century. Fortuny renders silk and lace with exceptional ability. The viewer can almost hear the rustle of fabrics. The painting is decidedly Spanish in inspiration with the inclusion of peinetas on the women, the enormous iron grill work, typical of Spanish churches, and bull fighters. The painting is filled with objects that, some experts say, were from Fortuny's personal collection. The metal heating element in the left corner, known as a brazier, is used in a number of his paintings, and may have been from his extensive personal collection of antiquities. This collection of antiques contributed to the research that Fortuny undertook prior to the creation of any of his paintings.The technique, which creates warmth and depth, is called preciosismo. This technique leads to fine brush work, which, when observed closely, looks like dashes and daubs of paint. When the viewer stands back from the painting, it comes together to create a wondrous whole, that is light and airy. This use of color also shows how Goya inspired Fortuny. In Goya's Charles IV of Spain and His Family there is a similar quality of light and color. Art Historians also attribute Fortuny's inspiration to Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier.Just as Fortuny, and The Spanish Wedding, were influenced by Goya and Meissonier, he also influenced other artists. His brother-in-law, Raimundo de Madrazo, borrows heavily from The Spanish Wedding in his genre painting Coming Out of Church. Van Gogh also was inspired by this work, as were contemporary Spanish artists. Art historians believe that had Fortuny lived longer, his work would have grown and influenced artists for many years to come. Unfortunately, due to the revolution in the arts by the French Impressionists, Fortuny, and other genre artists like him, are largely unknown.
17th century Dutch masters silk Van Gogh Goya peinetas Charles IV of Spain and His Family antique genre painting bull fighters Ernest Meissonier Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier Art historian French Impressionists Raimundo de Madrazo brazier wedding license lace