Daniel Hernández Morillo (Peruvian, 1856-1932)
A la fiesta
signed, inscribed and dated 'D. Hernandez/Roma 1882' (lower left); further inscribed with title (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
56.5 x 39cm (22 1/4 x 15 3/8in).
Footnotes:
Provenance
Private collection, Spain.

Daniel Hernández Morillo is often considered an academic artist, possibly due to his role as portraitist of the middle classes, however the present work shows how he was influenced by more modern trends in European art. Morillo painted this work in Rome, however he spent most of his working life in Paris, so it is no coincidence that this painting greatly reflects the influence of the style of painting found in Paris at the time. The carriage adds dynamism and movement to the scene which is made even more effective by the fleeting and energetic quality of the brushstrokes in the ground where the passing of the wheels makes the dust rise. The modernity of Belle Époque Paris can be seen not only in the fashion of his subjects, which is clearly inspired by the styles found in the city of light, but it is also present in his technique, particularly in his rapid brushstrokes and interest in light which evoke the Impressionists, whom he spent time with.
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The canvas has not been lined and provides a strong, stable support. There is some very fine, stable craquelure in areas. Inspection under UV light reveals a small number of scattered, minor retouchings.