‘The Promenade’ which gives the painting its name (El Paseo) is suggested by the two girls artfully posed in the sunlight and also by the couple (possibly their parents) strolling in the distance beyond. Paintings like this, which captured the exotic flavour and colour of Spain, became the mainstay of Phillip’s work after his return from Madrid and Seville in 1852 and led to him being known as ‘Phillip of Spain’. Purchased by Queen Victoria and given to Prince Albert for Christmas, 1854