BALDOMERO GALOFRE JIMÉNEZ (Reus, Tarragona, 1849... Lot 13

BALDOMERO GALOFRE JIMÉNEZ (Reus, Tarragona, 1849 - Barcelona, 1902). "Coastal View of Naples". Oil on panel. Signed in the lower right corner. Size: 32,5 x 48 cm; 55 x 73 cm (frame). Baldomero Galofre constructs in this canvas a clear scene, with the sea on the left side parallel to the rocks located on the right side, in a space in which the differentiated sky of scenographic clouds also stands out. It is interesting to look at the details, such as the rocks, painted in brownish tones with small mosses and wet rocks glistening in the sun. In this way, Galofre displays a masterly play of contrasting lights, creating an energetic atmosphere. Likewise, the succession of shots appears magnificently constructed in depth through a subtle and naturalistic gradation of tone and light. Baldomero Galofre began his training at the La Lonja School in Barcelona, where he was a pupil of Martí Alsina, and later completed his studies in Madrid. He became known in 1866 at the Fine Arts Exhibition in Barcelona, where he took part again in 1870, and in 1868 he took part in the Aragonese Exhibition in Saragossa with landscapes and studies. In 1874 he obtained a grant to further his studies in Rome, where he lived for ten years. There he attended the Accademia Chigi and the Circulo Internacional de Arte and met Mariano Fortuny in the last months of his life, following the stylistic guidelines of his compatriot. On his return to Barcelona in 1884 he held a personal exhibition which was very well received; Narciso Oller praised his great naturalism and showed him as an example against history painting. Four years later, in a new individual exhibition, this time in Madrid, one of his works was acquired by the Queen Regent. In 1903, in a special room in the Barcelona Museum, Galofre presented an important exhibition of his work. He developed a luminous, detailed style and painted landscapes and popular scenes in the style of Fortuny. He was also an extraordinary draughtsman. He is currently represented in the MACBA and the Museum of Art and History of Reus, among other public and private collections.