José Villegas y Cordero

José Villegas y Cordero (1844–1921) was a Spanish painter associated with the Orientalist and Costumbrismo movements. Born in Seville, Villegas y Cordero studied under the tutelage of Eduardo Cano and later honed his skills in Rome, where he was influenced by the works of Mariano Fortuny. His oeuvre is characterized by vibrant depictions of historical and genre scenes, often infused with meticulous detail and vivid color. Villegas y Cordero's impact on Spanish art was significant, as he served as the director of the Prado Museum from 1901 to 1918, during which he implemented important reforms and acquisitions. His works are celebrated for their technical precision and ability to capture the essence of Spanish culture and history.