José de Madrazo was a prominent Spanish painter and art critic born in 1781. He is best known for his portraits and historical paintings, which reflect the neoclassical style. Madrazo played a significant role in the Spanish art scene during the 19th century and was a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando. In addition to his work as a painter, Madrazo was also an influential art critic and contributed to the promotion of Spanish art. He was the father of Federico de Madrazo, who also became a notable painter. José de Madrazo passed away in 1859, leaving a lasting legacy in the art world.