3-097-674 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

García I, King of León, 1852. Imaginary portrait of García I (c870-914), the first king of León (910-914). He succeeded Alfonso III of Asturias and preceded Ordoño II. He is depicted holding the sceptre in his right hand and resting his left on the hilt of his sword. His attire consists of a jewelled tunic almost entirely covered by a green cloak. The scene unfolds in a palatial interior with a throne in the background. In 1847, José de Madrazo, as director of the Royal Museum, was commissioned by Isabella II to create an iconographic genealogy of all her royal ancestors. The project had a clear political purpose: to legitimize the sovereign's rights during a period characterized by a relentless struggle against female power.