Woman with a Green Parrot

Art Historical Context

In the serene *Woman with a Green Par* (ca. 1850/1880), Spanish artist Joaquin Agrasot y Juan captures an intimate moment through the delicate medium of watercolor with gou over graphite on cream wove paper. Measuring 34 × 22.8 cm, this work from the Art Institute of Chicago Prints and Drawings Department exemplifies Agrasot's mastery of realist genre scenes, a style popular in 19th-century Spain influenced by costumbrismo—the vivid depiction of everyday customs and domestic life. Agrasot (1837–1919), trained in Valencia and later active in Madrid, often portrayed elegant women in quiet interiors, blending meticulous detail with soft luminosity. Here, the watercolor's transparency allows for subtle gradations of light, while gouache adds opaque highlights for texture on the parrot's feathers and the woman's attire. The graphite underdrawing provided a precise foundation, showcasing the technical precision valued in academic drawing practices of the era. This piece reflects the Romantic fascination with exotic pets like parrots, symbols of leisure and global trade, offering visitors a glimpse into bourgeois domesticity. Its preservation in a major museum highlights the enduring appeal of Agrasot's refined, accessible realism.