Description
The painting "The Girl with a Coin" (also known as "Girl of Galicia") by Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo is a work that has captivated art lovers for centuries. Original size 63 x 43 cm, this oil painting on canvas depicts a peasant girl holding a coin in her right hand.
One of the most interesting aspects of this work is the artistic style used by Murillo. Her painting technique is smooth and delicate, with great attention to detail in the young woman's clothing and facial expression. The artist used a palette of soft and warm colors, which accentuate the natural beauty of the model.
The composition of the painting is also impressive. The young woman is located in the center of the work, with her right hand extended towards the viewer, which creates a feeling of closeness and intimacy. The viewer's attention is drawn to the young woman's serene and calm expression, suggesting a sense of peace and harmony.
The story behind the painting is also fascinating. Murillo is believed to have painted this work in the 1670s, during his stay in Madrid. The young peasant girl who served as the model for the painting was from Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain, and Murillo is believed to have found her on the streets of Madrid.
A little known aspect of this painting is that Murillo painted it in two different versions. The first version, found in the Prado Museum in Madrid, shows the young woman holding a coin in her left hand. The second version, which is in the National Gallery in London, shows the young woman holding the coin in her right hand.
In short, "The Girl with a Coin" is an impressive work of art that stands out for its soft and delicate art style, carefully planned composition, and soft and warm color palette. The story behind the painting and little-known aspects make this work even more fascinating for art lovers.