Joaquín Sorolla was born on 27 February 1863 in Valencia, Spain. Recognised as one of Spain’s leading impressionist painters, Sorolla is famous for his luminous and vibrant depictions of landscapes, portraits and scenes of everyday life, especially by the sea.
He studied at the San Carlos Academy of Fine Arts in Valencia and later in Paris, where he was influenced by artists such as Monet and Manet. His technique was characterised by the use of rapid, ink-laden brushstrokes that captured the sunlight and the colours of the Mediterranean beaches.
Among his best-known works are “Fishmongers of Valencia” and “The Seaside Walk”, which reflect his love of light and nature. Sorolla was also a talented portrait painter, having painted members of the Spanish aristocracy and contemporary artists, most notably his portrait of Juan Ramón Jiménez.
He died on 10 August 1923 in Madrid. Today, Joaquín Sorolla is celebrated as a master of light and colour, and his works continue to be admired for their vibrant strokes full of vitality.
