José Balaca

José Balaca y Carrión (1800–1869) was a Spanish painter born in Cartagena.

He later obtained royal patronage for his paintings of patriotic scenes from the First Carlist War.

Following the overthrow of the Espartero regime, Balaca went into exile and established himself in Lisbon as a portrait painter and miniaturist, receiving commissions from the royal court.

Balaca traveled extensively, making lengthy stays in London and Paris, where he resided and worked for some time.

He eventually returned to Spain and settled permanently in Madrid in 1852.