José Benlliure (Cañamelar, Valencia, 1855-Valencia, 1937), Orientalist scene, 19th century

José Benlliure (Cañamelar, Valencia, 1855-Valencia, 1937), Orientalist scene, 19th century
Oil on panel, signed and dedicated by the artist, table measurements. 29 x 21, framed measures 38 x 31 cm, (Cañamelar, Valencia, 1855-Valencia, 1937). Spanish painter who cultivated the costumbrista theme and the portrait. Brother of the painter Juan Antonio and the sculptor Mariano, he began his artistic studies at the age of twelve with Francisco Domingo Marqués. After spending a season in Madrid, in 1879 he moved to Rome, where he was director of the Spanish Academy of Fine Arts between 1903 and 1913. Winner of third medals in the National Exhibitions of 1876 and 1878 and first in 1887. He traveled around Algeria and Morocco. After his death, his home and studio were turned into a museum. In 1917 the artist donated the work Self-portrait to the National Museum of Modern Art, which passed, in 1971, to the Prado Museum.