CHEVALIER JUAN MIGUEL PÁEZ DE LA CADENA Y SEIX FROM THE MIDDLETON WATERCOLOR ALBUM

Creator(s):

Currently in storage

About this object

Chevalier Juan Miguel Páez de la Cadena y Seix (1773-1840) was born into one of the leading families in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Andalucia, Spain. He received degrees in law and canon law from the Universities of Granada and Orihuela before working as an auditor for the Spanish army. In 1812 Juan Miguel served as a substitute deputy for Seville at the Cádiz Cortes, the first national assembly, and assisted in the creation of a Spanish constitution. Between 1815 and 1823 he held several legal positions, including Member of the Hall of Justice and Supreme War Council and General Counsel of the Sapper Regiment. His appointment as Ambassador to London in late 1823 marked his entry into foreign affairs. Juan Miguel was soon named Ambassador to St. Petersburg and remained in this capacity for a number of years. While in Russia he became well acquainted with Alexander Pushkin—he may have served as an inspiration for the Spanish Ambassador in the poet’s novel, Eugene Onegin. The severing of diplomatic relations between Russia and Spain in 1833 left Juan Miguel positionless. However, it appears that he did not return to the Continent until at least 1834. That year he donated several 17thcentury Spanish works to the Hermitage Museum, where they remain today. Juan Miguel died in Dresden in 1840.

The bust-length portrait depicts Juan Miguel Páez de la Cadena y Seix sitting facing left, eyes looking forward, against a neutral background. He sit on a wooden chair and wears a light brown coat with a dark brown collar over a yellow waistcoat and white shirt with a green cravat.

Object name:

CHEVALIER JUAN MIGUEL PÁEZ DE LA CADENA Y SEIX FROM THE MIDDLETON WATERCOLOR ALBUM

Made from:

Watercolor on paper

Date made:

1825-1835

Size:

H. 8 in., W. 6 1/4 in.

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

52.39.28

Signature marks:

Inscription Chev. Paez de la Cadéna Bottom of page In cursive

Credit line:

Museum Purchase, 2004