JUAN DE TOLEDO (Lorca?, 1618-Madrid, 1665).
"Scene with a gentleman".
Oil on canvas.
It has a 19th century frame.
Measurements: 41,5 x 57 cm: 48 x 63 cm (frame).
Due to its stylistic characteristics, this canvas can be related to the artistic guidelines of Juan de Toledo, a Spanish Baroque painter to whom a great number of battle scenes have been attributed, always close to Flemish painting. The present work can be related to the heroic actions of the Spaniards who defended Vienna from the Turkish siege of 1529. This type of battle scene developed extensively due to the subject matter, which not only extolled the victories of those who had taken part in the battle. In addition to this testimonial feature, these paintings also reflected historical scenes. This genre was highly valued and was considered the best in the history of art for extolling the virtues and noble spirit of the acts.
According to Palomino's writings, Juan de Toledo was born in 1611, but there is not much biographical information about the artist. It is known that he worked for the army before turning to painting. He began to train with his father, and after settling in Spain, he began to work in the studio of Pedro Orrente. In 1959 he was in Madrid, where he is believed to have died. Although he died without achieving stability in his career as an artist, he was highly appreciated and valued by critics, especially for his war paintings, although most of his output was linked to religious themes.