CASON DEL BUEN RETIRO: LOWER FLOOR

QUEEN ISABELLA'S WILL (32 K) EDUARDO ROSALES(1836-1873) Canvas (290x400 cms) Spanish School. Realism 19th Century Hall 5 Temporarily closed to visitors This canvas afforded Eduardo Rosales, whose many problems and illness made his artistic life less than perfect, definite recognition, and it was only at the end of his life that his worth was truly appreciated. This canvas earned him first prize -and the sale of the canvas to the State- at the National Exposition in 1864. He also presented it in Paris where it earned him the First Medal and the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour. When Rosales was searching for a theme for his entry for the National Exposition he wanted to "find a matter of great importance in our history", which turned out to be the will that the Catholic queen left upon her death, considered the best testament to her character and to her political philosophy. Isabella appears on her deathbed, with canopy and curtains, dictating to her seated scribe the contents of her will. Sitting in a chair, bent over and defeated, is king Ferdinand, with their daugther and heiress, Princess Juana, known as "La Loca" (the Mad). In the group on the right is the covered figure of Cardinal Cisneros, who would later become the Regent of Castile.

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