An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of the Painter Francesco Santoro, Rome1887
Artist: Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida
Spanish, 1863 - 1923
sketchy 3/4 length portrait of a man wearing a grey jacket and a tan hat with a brown handlebar moustache, looking toward his left; man holds a cigarette in his PL hand on which he wears a pinky ring; man wears a boutonniere on his PR lapel; received in medium toned wood frame
28 5/8 × 18 1/2 in. (72.71 × 46.99 cm) (sight)
39 3/16 × 29 1/2 × 3 in. (99.54 × 74.93 × 7.62 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
19th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, a name that echoes through the vibrant streets of Spanish art history, began his journey in the heart of Valencia. From very early on, a spark ignited within him – an undeniable talent for capturing the essence of life on canvas. By the tender age of 15, his vision and creativity had already caught the eyes of many, earning him accolades at the Academy of Valencia. His path seemed illuminated by the warm glow of destiny.
In 1885, a turning point unfolded as Sorolla received a coveted scholarship that whisked him away to Rome, the city where art and history intertwine like ivy on ancient walls. It was here, amid the echoes of great artists who had come before him, that Sorolla painted a portrait of his dear friend and fellow artist, Francesco Santoro.
This was no ordinary portrait; it was a celebration of light and friendship. Each brushstroke danced upon the canvas, bold and confident, as if they were alive with the energy of their creator. The sunlight captured in Sorolla’s work poured gracefully over Santoro, wrapping him in a golden aura. Broad pink highlights seemed to play across Santoro's face, his ears, and the sleeve of his jacket, reflecting a joyous warmth that radiated from the artist's soul.
Every detail sparkled with intention, from the delicate glint atop Santoro's hat to the subtle shine of his pinky ring, each element whispering stories of camaraderie and admiration. In that moment, Sorolla seized not just the likeness of his friend but the very essence of their shared aspirations as artists, illuminating their bond against the backdrop of Rome's enchanting allure.
About the artist
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