A gift to Queen Victoria from Marie Amélie, Queen of the French, 1854 (together with RCIN 404798); first recorded in Buckingham Palace, 1875
Representing the Andalusian life that consists of celebration, cultural identity, and Romantic fascination with Spain, this painting depicts a group of Roma performers who are dancing and making music in the gardens of the Royal Alcázar of Seville, near the Pavilion of Charles V. There is crowd of spectators gathered in a circle around a female dancer watching her. The dancer's energetic movement and expressive gestures attract the attention of everyone around her. The atmosphere seems lively which created through the use of bright colors, animated poses, and the sense of movement conveyed by the figures. Dehodencq's painting reflects the perspective of the French and British artists who viewed Andalusia as an exotic and picturesque region, different from the industrializing societies of northern Europe. The Arab-inspired architecture enhances this sense of exoticism to these artists making Spain a representation of passion, spontaneity, and a connection to ancient traditions. Rather than focusing on the surrounding landscape, Dehodencq pays close attention to the costumes and human interactions while directing the viewer's attention toward the human emotion and social interaction. The painting captures the energy of flamenco performance and the communal spirit of Roma traditions while also reflecting European fascination with exociticism.
The French Romantic artist Alfred Dehodencq drew this oil painting to depict the Spanish Romani culture and people. The artwork vividly emphasises on the dynamic postures of people dancing in merriment in the historic gardens of Seville's Real Alćazar. The vibrancy of colours and abundance of light showcase the joyous flamenco traditions. The marginalized group of people depicted here throw light upon the rich Andalusian culture and rhythm of "zambra". This "zambra" is a traditional type of gypsy flamenco from which the painting derives its name. Dehodencq not only illustrated the celebration of traditions but highlighted the dignity and ethics of the this socially marginalized Spanish group of people in the contemporary times.
