Valeriano D. Bécquer (1834-1870): Genre Paintings

For the first time ever, the Prado Museum will host an exhibition from 13 July to 4 October 2026, which brings together the eight paintings created between 1866 and 1867 by the Spanish painter and illustrator, Valeriano D. Bécquer, as part of a government commission intended for the former Museum of the Holy Trinity Curated by Pedro J. Martínez Plaza, 19th-Century Painting Collection, the exhibition presents visitors with an exceptional set of paintings. Although only three provinces were completed—Zaragoza, Soria, and Avila—it stands out for the details of traditional clothing and the portrayal of local people, along with the quality of the paintings, making it one of the best examples of 19th-century genre painting in Spain. Valeriano Domínguez Bécquer (1834-1870) was a leading Spanish painter and artist, brother of the famous poet, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. His work falls mainly within the romantic genre, with a special focus on everyday scenes, local people and urban and rural landscapes. He stood out as an artist and illustrator, working with magazines and publications of that time, and he also created watercolours and oil paintings with great sensitivity. His paintings are characterised by an intimacy, a carefully created atmosphere and an interest in the picturesque and traditional, moving away from the more rigid academic style. Today, he is known as a leading artist of Spanish Romanticism and a valuable visual witness of 19th century Spain. Image Credit: Detail of The Gift. Fiesta Mayor in Moncayo (Aragon), on the eve of the Patron Saint Day. Valeriano Domínguez Bastida Bécquer. 1866. Oil on Canvas. Madrid, Prado National Museum