Joaquín Sorolla

Joaquín Sorolla Bastida, born in 1863 in Valencia, is known for his impressive works of light and color, standing out as one of the great masters of Spanish painting. His work is framed within Impressionism, a movement that profoundly influenced his technique, particularly in his masterful use of natural light and his ability to capture fleeting moments of everyday life. Joaquín was also a fervent advocate of Luminism, a variant of Impressionism focused on the effects of light on objects.

Social realism also had a significant impact on his work, especially in his early works, where he portrayed the lives and hardships of Valencian fishermen and peasants. However, it was his ability to represent luminous and vibrant scenes that defined his artistic legacy. His closest friends and colleagues, such as Aureliano de Beruete and Santiago Rusiñol, shared with him a deep interest in landscape and light, influencing and being influenced by Sorolla in their artistic approach.

Works like "Paseo a orillas del mar" and "Niñas en el mar" demonstrate his mastery in representing water and sunlight, creating a sense of movement and freshness that captured the essence of his coastal scenes. Sorolla was not only a landscape painter; his portraits are also notable for their liveliness and psychological depth, as can be seen in his series of portraits of the Spanish royal family.

His influence extended beyond Spain, inspiring American painters such as John Singer Sargent and William Merritt Chase, who admired his technique and ability to capture light and atmosphere. Sorolla was also instrumental in introducing Impressionism to Spain, helping to popularize the style and transform the Spanish art scene of his time.

The Valencian painter finally managed to develop a skill for capturing light and color in a way that few have achieved. His influence and work continue to be studied and admired for their innovation and beauty. His connection with Impressionism and social realism, along with his influence on subsequent movements, ensures his place as one of the great masters of painting.