Figura De Un Mercader (Figure Of A Merchant) — History & Facts
A man dressed in a richly colored, voluminous orange robe sits slouched in a dark interior, his gaze cast downward and his right arm resting heavily on the arm of a chair. His hat, trimmed with a white feather, casts a shadow over his face, which is partially illuminated by a soft, indirect light from the left. The merchant's robe is rendered in bold, energetic brushstrokes, with flashes of white and gold suggesting ornate embroidery and the sheen of luxurious fabric.
Behind him, a heavy wooden desk stretches across the background, its surface cluttered with a large, open box lined in yellow and a small, blue-and-white ceramic vessel. The palette is dominated by deep reds, browns, and oranges, punctuated by the bright blue of the vessel and the white highlights on the robe and feather. Loose, expressive brushwork gives the painting a sense of immediacy and texture, especially in the treatment of the merchant's clothing and the shadowy background.
A patch of patterned tiles appears in the lower left corner, introducing a mosaic of muted reds, yellows, and blues. The upper right corner of the painting features a pale rectangular area resembling a wall or panel with a handwritten inscription. The background is a dense, dark mass of brown and black brushstrokes, creating a sense of depth and enclosure.
Light falls most strongly on the merchant's left sleeve and the front of his robe, highlighting the folds and texture of the fabric. The blue-and-white vessel on the desk is round with a narrow neck, and its glossy surface reflects nearby light. The open box on the desk is lined with a bright yellow material that contrasts with the otherwise subdued setting.
The edges of the painting are rough and loosely defined, with visible brush marks and areas where the paint appears thin or scraped. The merchant's chair is only partially visible, its wooden armrest rendered with quick, dark strokes that blend into the surrounding shadows. The title Figura De Un Mercader (Figure Of A Merchant) identifies the subject as a merchant, and the opulent costume and surroundings evoke an air of wealth and status. Joaquín Sorolla is the artist responsible for this work, as stated in the catalogue information.
More Artworks by Joaquín Sorolla

Sad Inheritance
Joaquín Sorolla

Walk on the Beach
Joaquín Sorolla

Mother
Joaquín Sorolla

Corner of the Garden, Alcazar, Sevilla
Joaquín Sorolla

Fishing Boats On The Beach, Valencia
Joaquín Sorolla

Camino De La Pesca. Valencia (Setting Out To Sea. Valencia)
Joaquín Sorolla

Vuelta De La Pesca. Playa De Valencia (The Return From Fishing, Valencia Beach)
Joaquín Sorolla

The Gardens at the Sorolla Family House
Joaquín Sorolla

Monte Ulía, San Sebastián
Joaquín Sorolla

Barcas En La Playa
Joaquín Sorolla






