The Flower Seller – 19th Century Oil Painting - Ricardo BRUGADA Y PANIZO (1867-1919)

This captivating 19th-century oil on canvas by R. Brugada features a young flower seller standing in a quiet probably Spanish city square , wrapped in a deep green cloak. With a calm, observant gaze and softly blushed cheeks, she holds a wicker basket delicately covered with a white cloth — an evocative detail that adds emotional and symbolic intrigue.

Is she shielding her flowers from dust and sunlight, or concealing modest wares from public view? The moment is rich with subtle drama and tenderness, reflecting the realities and inner world of working-class life.

Painted in a refined Romantic Realist style, the artist captures light and texture beautifully — from her red bodice and silky scarf to the atmospheric architecture behind her. A timeless narrative emerges, inviting the viewer to imagine her story.

An ideal piece for collectors of genre painting, historical portraits, or romantic scenes with emotional resonance.

Movement Associated with the Painting:

Romanticism with strong Realist and Costumbrismo (Spanish genre painting) influences — typical of late 19th-century European and Catalan school traditions.

Signature:

Signed "R. Brugada" in the lower-left corner in a classic, elegant hand.

Frame Condition:

The painting is presented in a handsome black wooden frame with gilt corner accents and an inner gold slip.

Condition: Very good. Minor wear at corners and edges consistent with age, but structurally solid and display-ready.

Ricardo BRUGADA Y PANIZO paintings have sold on a number of occasions around the 28K euro mark.

The last image shown after the canvas photo is a very similar painting although around half of the size of the painting being offered that sold May 99 for € 10,812 plus buyers premium. More details below. 

Dama con mantòn (1903)