Saint Joseph Church, Madrid by Mariano Fortuny Marsal

Saint Joseph Church, Madrid

Mariano Fortuny Marsal · 1855

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“This etching captures the imposing beauty of Saint Joseph Church in Madrid, showcasing Fortuny's early mastery of architectural detail and the interplay of light and shadow in an urban setting.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

In this etching, the towering facade of Saint Joseph Church in Madrid dominates the scene, its intricate Baroque details rendered with delicate precision. Mariano Fortuny Marsal captures a quiet moment on a bustling street, where a horse-drawn carriage and scattered figures provide a sense of scale against the grand architecture. The artist uses the etching medium to great effect, creating subtle variations in tone and texture that define the ornate carvings and the play of light and shadow across the building's surface. This work, made early in his career, showcases his skill in architectural representation and his ability to infuse an everyday urban scene with a sense of grandeur, reflecting the Romantic interest in historic sites.

DETAILS
Artist
Mariano Fortuny Marsal
Date
1855
Medium
etching
Location
Cleveland Museum of Art
Dimensions
[object Object]
Collection
Prints
Culture
Spain
Credit line
Gift of Knoedler and Company, through The Print Club of Cleveland
ART MOVEMENTS
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What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Saint Joseph Church, Madrid
01

The intricate carvings and statues adorning the church facade.

02

The small figures and horse-drawn carriage at the base of the church.

03

The subtle variations in line work that create depth and shadow.

04

The delicate cross atop the central dome, almost touching the sky.

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THE ARTIST

Mariano Fortuny Marsal

1838–1874 · Spain

Spanish painter who died at 36 from malaria caught while painting outdoors, leaving behind shimmering Orientalist scenes.

Read Marsal’s full story
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