• Félix Barrias
• French, 1822-1907
• "Spanish Letters"
• Oil on Panel
• 12 3/4 x 9 1/2 inches, Framed: 21 3/4 x 18 1/2 inches
• Signed and dated lower right, 80'
• $15,000

In this classically rendered painting titled Spanish Letters, Fèlix Joseph Barrias successfully conveys Spanish 19th century costume, and the bustle of the daily mail service in rural Spain. Barrias was renowned for his socially and historically accurate genre scenes, many of which he exhibited in the Paris Salons. In the central background, we are shown the Post Office with a sign over the archway that reads “Admón de Correos”, or Post Office Administration. Hovering in the doorway and to the left of the entrance are three women engaged in reading their letters. The brilliant colors of the costume of Spanish Letters are typical of this period. Women’s fashion changed from the former use of the hoop skirt in the early 1800s to the central bump in the rear of the dress as seen on the darkly robed figure in the left foreground. On the right side of the painting, a shoeless woman of the peasant class is shown holding up her child while he deposits a letter into the mail slot. The golden scarf that is draped over her shoulder is a typical feature of dress. To her left, is a centralized figure astride a donkey; the postal carrier. He is shown pointing at the two women in the doorway, and has his left hand behind his back clasping two letters. Not only are the costumes of the figures historically accurate, but the saddlery is as well.