Place: Seville
Born: 1842
Death: 1923
Biography:
, a renowned Spanish painter, was born on January 30, 1842, in Seville, Spain. His father, Felipe Mattoni, and mother, María Lutgarda de la Fuente, played a significant role in shaping his early life and artistic career.
Virgilio trained at the Provincial School of Fine Arts in Seville from 1856 to 1868 under teachers such as Eduardo Cano and Joaquín Domínguez Bécquer. He later completed his studies at the Chigi Academy in Rome between 1872 and 1874. After returning to Seville, he opened a studio in the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
Virgilio's artistic career was marked by his exceptional skill in capturing the essence of post-romantic realism. He produced portraits and paintings with religious and historical themes, publishing articles on art history and being recognized as a gifted writer and poet. His most important work is considered to be The Baths of Caracalla, awarded the Second Medal at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts in 1881.
Virgilio won the Third Medal in 1887 for his painting The Last Moments of Ferdinand III, the Saint. He was named a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando de Madrid in 1886. Later, he became a faculty member of the Painting Section of the Provincial School of Fine Arts of Seville in 1887 and Director of the Academy of Applied Arts in 1917.
Virgilio's legacy continues to be celebrated through his works, which can be found in various museums, including the Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias in Oviedo, Spain. His contributions to the world of art are a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft.
of Virgilio's work include his use of color and light as compositional elements, as well as his experimentation with medieval techniques of gilding and embossing. His legacy serves as an inspiration to artists and art enthusiasts alike, and his contributions to the world of art continue to be celebrated through his works. In conclusion, Virgilio Mattoni De La Fuente was a talented artist who left a lasting impact on the world of art. His dedication to his craft and his passion for post-romantic realism have made him a central figure in the modern Andalusian school of painters.