Esquivel y Suárez de Urbina, Antonio María – Rafaela Flores Calderón, niña Part 2 Prado Museum

The portrait presents a young girl standing beside a large birdcage, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a quiet intensity. She is dressed in a delicate, off-the-shoulder gown of pale pink and white striped fabric, its layered skirt creating volume and movement around her legs. Her dark hair is neatly styled, framing a face characterized by large eyes and a slightly melancholic expression. The girl’s posture is upright, suggesting both formality and a certain reserve.
The bird, perched on the edge of the cage, commands attention with its vibrant grey plumage and bright red accents on its feet and beak. It appears to be an African Grey parrot, a species often associated with mimicry and intelligence, adding another layer of symbolic complexity to the scene. The cage itself is ornate, constructed from dark metalwork, and positioned prominently in the foreground, acting as a visual anchor for the composition.
Behind the girl and the birdcage lies a dense backdrop of foliage – a lush arrangement of flowering plants and verdant greenery contained within an oversized urn. This creates a sense of depth and suggests an enclosed, cultivated environment. The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating the subject without harsh shadows, contributing to the overall feeling of serenity and refinement.
Subtleties in the composition hint at deeper meanings. The girl’s proximity to the birdcage might suggest themes of companionship or confinement – a delicate balance between freedom and domesticity. Her direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, inviting contemplation on her identity and social standing. The parrot, often associated with mimicry and communication, could symbolize the expectation for the young woman to embody societal expectations and perform a prescribed role. The elaborate dress and carefully arranged setting underscore the importance of appearances and status within the context of the portrait’s creation. Overall, the painting conveys an atmosphere of quiet elegance and restrained emotion, characteristic of formal portraits from the period.