26 - Spanish School, ca. 1870–1880.

Spanish School, ca. 1870–1880. “A Break During the Dance.” Pair of oil paintings on copper. Signed with the initials A.M.L. Measurements: 21.5 x 15 cm; 27.5 x 20.5 cm (frame). The pair depicts two scenes of a break during a masquerade ball, featuring young people who still wear their masks as they settle into red velvet seats. Their subject matter and the prominence of the costumes allow them to be linked to the work of Román Ribera, particularly his depictions of elegant life and moments of respite surrounding dances and performances. In both compositions, the attention to lace, the folds of the dresses, the gloves, and the accessories transforms the attire into an expressive element, while the relaxed poses introduce an intimate dimension into the festive atmosphere. The light tones of the fabrics stand out against the dark backgrounds and tapestries, focusing the light on the figures and reinforcing their presence. This combination of social refinement, observation of gesture, and depiction of textile qualities finds parallels in the world of Ribera, whose interest in these subjects is reflected in works such as “Epilogue to a Masked Ball,” housed at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.