Sorolla: Spanish Master of Light at London's National Gallery

The National Gallery in London presents 'Sorolla: Spanish Master of Light', a major exhibition dedicated to Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (Valencia, 1863 – Cercedilla, 1923), running until July 7, 2019. Sorolla, who trained in Valencia and completed his education in Madrid, Italy (Rome, Pisa, Florence, Naples, Venice), and Paris, was influenced by Impressionism and Macchiaioli painting. He introduced Impressionism to Spain alongside Aureliano de Beruete and Darío de Regoyos. His early work focused on social realism, depicting the harsh conditions of peasants and workers, akin to Italian Divisionists and the Neapolitan school. Later, after the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, he shifted to portraiture and beach scenes, inspired by Boldini, John Sargent, and Anders Zorn, capturing the luminosity and sensuality of the Belle Époque. He also painted Spanish customs and daily life en plein air, including scenes of his wife and daughter on beaches. Sorolla was appointed professor at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Madrid, a position he held until his death.