The year 2023 will mark the centenary of the death of Joaquin Sorolla, the Valencian artist who became one of the most international artists of his time. However, among all the activities to celebrate this year, the one in his native city is remarkable.
The ‘Originis’ exhibition, in collaboration with the Valencia Museum of Fine Arts, shows the youngest and most human face of the Valencian artist. Reviewing those years when Sorolla was a student in this academy, who was still struggling to demonstrate that he was a good artist. At that time, part of his canvases were a copy of their own inspiration, artworks by Velazquez, Ribera o El Greco. These copies helped him to develop his own style.
Not so different from today’s artists, Joaquin combined his training in art with his work in the family smithy, between the ages of 15 and 21. During these years he took advantage of every opportunity to obtain a scholarship and to continue learning. Finally, the moment arrived with «Grito del Pelleter», his work that allowed him to travel to Rome as a scholarship student.
To make a long story short, it is remarkable when a museum is visited, to know the story behind the artwork. At this point, the visitor can understand who the painter was, who the person before the artist was, and his or her personal efforts to become a better artist in order to leave us an artistic legacy.
MAR 