Madrazo, José

Madrazo, José (b Santander, 22 Apr. 1781; d Madrid, 8 May 1859).
Spanish painter, the best-known member of a dynasty of artists. He studied with J.-L. David in Paris and also worked in Rome, and he became the leading Neoclassical painter in Spain. His history paintings are generally rather cold, but he was a spirited portraitist. He was director of the Prado from 1838 to 1851. His son Federico (1815–94) was the foremost Spanish portraitist of the time and a leading figure in the art establishment, holding various prestigious posts, including the directorship of the Prado. Three other sons were involved with the arts: Pedro (1816–98) was an art historian and critic, Luis (1825–97) a painter, and Juan (c.1829–80) an architect. Other members of the family continued the tradition into the 20th century.