Family portrait

The work by the Swedish artist Adolf Wertmüller depicts various figures in a space dominated by the dark grey wallpaper and vetal decoration on a geometrically decorated carpet. Seated on the right is Admiral Juan de Mendoza in navy uniform; in front, in the centre of the composition, is his wife, Cristobalina de la Barba, seated with her son in her arms and surrounded by her daughters and sisters. On the far left is portrayed the French consul Luis Rivaupie, leaning on the back of the chair where a dog with its back to him seems to be looking at him. On the opposite side, Cristobalina’s sisters are depicted wearing rich dresses and elaborate feathered hats. The family composition of the 18th-century military environment is thus reflected through the Frenchification of the forms and clothing in response to the political and social canon of the time.

Collection: Images

Project: 4. Family, daily life and social inequality in Europe., 5. Power and powers in the history of Europe: oligarchies, political participation and democracy.

Chronology: XVIII

Scope: Secondary education, Baccalaureate, University

Link: http://ceres.mcu.es/pages/Viewer?accion=4&AMuseo=MCA&Ninv=CE20444

Resource type: Image

Format: Oil on canvas (89 x 132 cm)

Source: Museo de Cádiz (Cádiz)

Language: Spanish

Date: ca. 1795

Owner: Álvaro Romero González (Modernalia)