JOSÉ FELIPE ABÁRZUZA RODRÍGUEZ DE ARIAS (Cádiz,... Lot 28

JOSÉ FELIPE ABÁRZUZA RODRÍGUEZ DE ARIAS (Cádiz, 1871-Puerto Real, 1948). "Moors at Dusk". Oil on canvas. On the lower part there is a plaque with the artist's name and title. Frame from the 17th century. Measurements: 196 x 148 cm; 208 x 160 cm (frame). In this composition by José Felipe Abárzuza, presided over by a group of nuns wrapped in white tunics whose veils almost entirely cover their faces, an aura of mystery and spirituality predominates. The sunset light tinges the whiteness of the fabrics with pinkish tints and varnishes the countryside with iridescent mottles. Curtains of cypress trees flank a Roman bridge. The brushstrokes are swift and sketchy, and the palette is dominated by the soft, elegant tones characteristic of the Cadiz painter. A Spanish painter, restorer and fresco artist, he cultivated house, social, orientalist, landscape and portrait painting. He began his training at the School of Fine Arts in his native city, where he was a pupil of José Morillo, and later furthered his studies in Madrid under the guidance of Joaquín Sorolla. He was a teacher at the School of Arts and Industries and Fine Arts in Cadiz, an academician of the corresponding Cadiz academy, director of the Provincial Museum and a member of the Cadiz Monuments Commission. His work as a decorator in numerous buildings in Cadiz, such as the chapel of the Hospital de Mujeres, the chapel of the Sagrario in the church of San Antonio and the ceilings of the Gran Teatro and the Town Hall, were of particular note. He took part in the National Fine Arts Exhibitions, where he was awarded an honourable mention in 1895, third medal in 1899 and 1901, and second in the 1904 edition. He is represented in the Prado Museum in Madrid, among other public and private collections.