Mariano Alonso Pérez | Fête Galante | Oil on canvas | Casacones Painting 19th Century

An archetypal representation of "Casacones painting," notable for its rigorous technical execution and commercial success in the Parisian market of the late 19th century.

History and Curatorial Analysis

Mariano Alonso Pérez y Villagrosa (Zaragoza, 1857 - Madrid, 1930) was one of the Spanish painters with the greatest commercial projection during the Parisian Belle Époque. Following in the footsteps of Mariano Fortuny's preciosity and responding to the strong demand from the French bourgeoisie, Alonso Pérez specialized in "tableautin" or "Casacones painting." This genre nostalgically and with extreme precision recreates the courtly and aristocratic life of the 18th century (the era of Louis XVI), a style that dominated sales in major European galleries for decades.

The work depicts a classic "fête galante" or country festival, where a group of young aristocrats decorates trees with paper lanterns. Technically, the artist demonstrates absolute mastery of drawing and color. The palette is luminous, dominated by pastel tones (carmine pinks, sky blues, and dusty greens) that accentuate the playful character of the scene. The brushwork is meticulous in describing the silks, lace, and foliage, evidencing the technical virtuosity that guaranteed his international success. The work is signed in the lower right corner as "Alonso-Pérez," a common signature in his commercially produced works for France.

Reasons for the collection

• International Signature: Alonso Pérez is a widely cataloged artist with a solid and consistent track record in international auction houses, guaranteeing the liquidity and patrimonial value of the piece.

• High-Demand Iconography: Casacones painting remains one of the most sought-after 19th-century genres due to its undeniable aesthetic value, visual appeal, and decorative capacity.

• Framing Quality: The heavy, carved, stuccoed, and old gold-leaf gilded wooden frame is not a mere accessory; it is a high-quality structure that enhances the visual weight of the work and places it firmly in its historical context.

• Conservation Status: The stability of the pictorial layer and the unaltered vibrancy of the colors allow for immediate display without the need for restoration interventions.

Technical Specifications

• Artist: Mariano Alonso Pérez y Villagrosa (1857-1930)

• Title: Fiesta Galante con Farolillos (Galant Festival with Lanterns)

• Era: Late 19th Century

• Style: Casacones Painting / Period Genre Painting

• Technique: Oil on canvas

• Artwork Dimensions: 55 x 35 cm approx.

• Dimensions with frame: 71 x 51 cm

• Signature: Lower right corner ("Alonso-Pérez")

• Framing: Carved wooden frame with old gold leaf finish and rich floral moldings.

The Workshop Note

This is a classic investment piece. Mariano Alonso Pérez perfectly understood the European market of his time, and that same technical quality ensures that his works remain solid assets today. For El Taller del Coleccionista, this work represents the technical virtuosity of the Spanish school triumphant in Paris. It is an ideal acquisition for collectors who demand 19th-century painting with impeccable craftsmanship, a valued signature, and an absolutely stunning physical presentation thanks to its spectacular frame.