Mariano Benlliure Y Gil

Style: Neo Classicism; Neo Impressionism;

Place: Valencia

Born: 1862

Death: 1947

Biography:

Mariano Benlliure y Gil was a renowned Spanish sculptor and medallist, born in Valencia in 1862. He is considered one of the most important Spanish artists of his time and his works are highly appreciated for their realism and expressiveness.

Early Life and Training

Mariano Benlliure Y Gil

was born in the Lower Street of the Carmen neighborhood of Valencia. His earliest sculptures featured bullfighting themes, modeled in wax and cast in bronze. At the age of thirteen, he showed a wax modello of a picador at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes, 1876. Pursuing the thought of becoming a painter, he went to Paris his expenses paid by his master, Francisco Domingo Marqués.

Style and Works

Benlliure's style is characterized by detailed naturalism allied to an impressionistic spontaneity. His portrait busts and public monuments are numerous, and include:

• The tomb of Práxedes Mateo Sagasta in the Pantheon of Illustrious Men, Madrid
• Monument to José de San Martín, Lima, Peru
• The monument to Álvaro de Bazán, Plaza de la Villa, Madrid
• The monument to Isabella the Catholic, Granada
• The monument to General Cassola, Parque del Oste, Madrid
• The monument to Maria Christina of Bourbon, Madrid
• The bronze equestrian statue of the monument to Alfonso XII, in Madrid's El Retiro

These works showcase Benlliure's mastery of sculpture and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

Notable Works and Legacy

Some of Benlliure's notable works include:

• Mariano Benlliure Y Gil: Medal Martínez Campos, a bronze medal featuring the Spanish general
• Mariano Benlliure Y Gil: Queen Mª Cristina, a sculpture of the queen
• Mariano Benlliure Y Gil: Child head, a sculpture of a child's head

These works are examples of Benlliure's skill and artistry, and can be found on https://Wikioo.org.

Conclusion

Mariano Benlliure Y Gil

was a talented sculptor and medallist, known for his realistic and expressive works. His legacy can be seen in the many public monuments and sculptures he created, and his influence can still be felt today. For more information on Mariano Benlliure Y Gil, visit https://Wikioo.org or Wikipedia.