The Assumption of the Virgin
Juan de Valdés Leal·c. 1658/1660
Historical Context
Juan de Valdés Leal's Assumption of the Virgin from around 1658-60 is a major religious painting by the most dramatically expressive painter of the Sevillian Baroque. Valdés Leal's turbulent, emotionally charged approach to the Assumption contrasts with the serene, idealized treatments of his Sevillian contemporary Murillo. The subject was central to Counter-Reformation iconography, and Seville's churches were filled with Assumption altarpieces during this period.
Technical Analysis
Valdés Leal's oil-on-canvas technique features his characteristically bold, agitated brushwork with dynamic, swirling composition. The dramatic lighting and vibrant palette create an image of visionary ecstasy that embodies the emotional intensity of the Sevillian Baroque.
Provenance
Removed to Alcázar, Seville in 1810, following French occupation of the city.[1] Marquise de Landolfo Carcano [1872-1912], Paris; (her sale, Galerie Georges Petit, Paris, 30 May-1 June 1912, no. 174); Dr. Carvalho,[2] Château Villandry, near Tours. (Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York), after 1950;[3] sold 8 February 1955 to The Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[4] gift 1961 to NGA. [1] Manuel Gómez Imaz, _Inventario de los cuadros sustraídos por el Gobierno intruso en Sevilla año de 1810_, (Seville, 1896), 72, lists a painting of this subject measuring 2 1/2 varas high x 2 varas wide, or 250 cm. by 167 cm. As Colin Eisler, _Paintings from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: European Schools Excluding Italian_, (Oxford, 1977), 223, note 11, has pointed out, these dimensions approximately correspond to those of the NGA painting. Paul Lafond, _Juan de Valdés Leal_ (Paris, 1923), 92, identified the painting with one in the Aguado Sale (Paris, March 20-28, 1843)). However, as Eisler 1977, 223, note 12, has stated, the dimensions of this picture (164 x 111 cm.) differ significantly from those of the NGA painting, although the description corresponds closely. [2] Annotated sale catalogue in NGA library, although in some publications "Carvalho" is spelled "Carvallo". [3] Benedicto Nieto, _La Asunción de la Virgen en al arte_ (Madrid, 1950), 158: "La Acunción de la Virgen de la Colección Carvalho del Château Villandry". [4] Copy of 8 February 1955 bill from Rosenberg & Stiebel, NGA curatorial files. See also The Kress Collection Digital Archive, https://kress.nga.gov/Detail/objects/2076.
