Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta (Spanish, 1841-1920), "Young Lady with a Mask and Glass of Absinthe", oil on canvas, signed lower left, old label en verso, 35 in. x 27 in. E70000/90000 Note: Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta was a highly distinguished figure of the "Spanish School" in Paris. His grandfather Jos' (1781-1859) and father Federico (1815-1894) began Spain's most enduring dynasty of artists. After studying with his father, he attended the School of Fine Arts in Madrid and also trained under Leon Cogniet in Paris. From 1860 he lived in Paris and frequently traveled to America. Precociously talented, he was highly respected during his lifetime and was honored with medals at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1878 and 1889. His work won many prizes and patrons in France, New York (the Vanderbilts) and London. The beginning of Madrazo's true style evolved from the artistic influences of his highly acclaimed brother-in-law Mariano Fortuny and the Belgian artist Alfred Stevens. Enthused by the Parisian Belle Epoque atmosphere, Madrazo replaced a family tradition of painting academic works with intimate Belle Epoque scenes. Specializing in female portraiture imbued with a sense of intimacy, "Young Lady with Mask and a Glass of Absinthe" is extremely characteristic of Madrazo's oeuvre: a reminiscent pose, soft and elegant tones, and an overall mastery of color evident in his treatment of fabrics. With incredible skill, the artist superbly painted the Parisian elegantes of the late 19th century, epitomized by the work offered here. References: Benezit, Emmanuel, Dictionnaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Graveurs, Paris: Librairie Grund, 1976. Gonzalez, Carlos and Montse Mart­, Pintores Espalos and Montse, Barcelona: Tusquets Editores, 1989.