Álvarez Dumont, Eugenio – Malasaña y su hija se baten contra los franceses en una de las calles que bajan del parque a la... Part 5 Prado Museum

The composition presents a chaotic urban scene dominated by conflict. Here we observe a narrow street, likely in a densely populated area, where armed combat unfolds. The perspective is angled upwards, emphasizing the height of surrounding buildings and creating a sense of enclosure within the struggle. A group of mounted soldiers, identifiable through their uniforms and weaponry, charge forward, disrupting the established order of the space. Smoke obscures parts of the background, suggesting recent or ongoing gunfire and contributing to the overall atmosphere of turmoil.
In the foreground, a man in civilian attire is engaged in a violent confrontation with one of the soldiers on horseback. He appears to be wielding a weapon, attempting to defend himself against the mounted assailant. A young woman lies prone nearby, seemingly injured or deceased; her posture and pallor suggest vulnerability and loss. The placement of this figure draws immediate attention and serves as a poignant focal point within the larger conflict.
The artist employed a palette characterized by muted tones – ochres, browns, grays – which reinforces the grim reality of the depicted event. Highlights are strategically used to emphasize key figures and areas of action, such as the soldier’s uniform and the mans face. The brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to the sense of immediacy and unrestrained energy that permeates the scene.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of battle, the painting seems to explore themes of resistance and sacrifice. The civilian defending himself against the military force suggests an act of defiance against oppression. The fallen woman’s presence evokes a sense of tragedy and underscores the human cost of conflict. The inclusion of architectural details – the street lamp, the balcony with foliage – grounds the scene in a specific location while simultaneously highlighting the disruption of everyday life caused by the violence.
The work conveys not only an event but also a narrative about courage, loss, and the struggle for freedom within an urban environment. It is likely intended to evoke empathy for those caught in the crossfire of political upheaval and to memorialize their suffering.