Francisco Pradilla Ortiz (Saragozza 1848 - Madrid

Francisco Pradilla Ortiz (Zaragoza 1848 - Madrid 1921) Venice, golden dawn on the lagoon Oil on panel Signed lower left Original frame Dimensions cm. 20 x 12 frame 40 x 30 Excellent condition Splendid jewel signed by Francisco Pradilla, one of the most celebrated Spanish artists of the late 19th century, whose most important works are exhibited at the Prado Museum in Madrid, of which he was also director from 1896 to 1898. This small example of his skill masterfully describes, with vaguely impressionistic notes, a magnificent Venetian view shortly before sunrise, with a fantastic golden halo that envelops the sky and waters of the Lagoon. The work dates back to the 1870s, during his ten-year stay in Italy, where he was appointed director of the Spanish Academy in Rome, and he was often engaged in depicting the scenic beauties of the Peninsula, from Venice to Sicily passing through Rome and Naples. Known as a great painter of historical subjects, in Italy he often abandoned his celebrated vocation to dedicate himself to landscape painting, with small panels painted on the spot "en plein air". Our work is a beautiful example of this. Biography He was born in Villanueva de Gállego, in the province of Zaragoza, and began his studies in Zaragoza. He moved first to the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando and, later, to the "Academia de Acuarelistas" (Academy of Watercolorists) in Madrid. In 1873 he became one of the first students chosen to study at the new Spanish Academy in Rome. From there he had the opportunity to travel to France and Venice to study the old masters. In 1878 he presented his painting "Doña Joanna the Mad or" (Juana la Loca) at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts (Spain), receiving the Medal of Honor. In 1879, the Spanish Senate commissioned him to create La "Rendición de Granada" (The Surrender of Granada), which took three years of work to complete. In 1881 he became Director of the Spanish Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, but after two years he resigned from this position. He traveled mainly in Italy, portraying local themes and people. In 1897 he returned to Madrid as director of the Prado Museum. He held this position only briefly to focus again on painting. Financial constraints after the failure of his bank forced him to be particularly productive in the last years of his career. He died in Madrid in November 1921. He is considered one of the most interesting Spanish landscape painters of the late 19th century and his works are exhibited in several museums and important public collections. Tracked shipping (DHL TRACKING) and fully insured with anti-shock packaging in a custom-made wooden crate. Delivery within 3 working days from receipt of payment (DHL EXPRESS) Negotiable price and personalized payments.