Antoni Caba facts for kids

Antoni Caba's self-portrait (around 1875–1880)

Queen Maria Cristina holding her son, King Alfonso XIII (1890)

Antoni Caba i Casamitjana (born 1838, died 1907) was a Spanish painter. He was famous for his realistic paintings. He is especially known for his many portraits of people.

Antoni Caba's Life and Art

Antoni Caba was born in Barcelona, Spain. He started his art training in the 1850s. He went to a school called the Escola de la Llotja. There, he learned from teachers like Pau Milà i Fontanals and Claudi Lorenzale.

Studying Art in Spain and Paris

The school helped him with money. This allowed him to study at another art school. This one was in Madrid, called the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. Federico de Madrazo was his main teacher there.

In 1864, Antoni Caba showed his art for the first time. It was at a big art show. This show was called the National Exhibition of Fine Arts. The Spanish government bought one of his paintings. It was added to the famous Museo del Prado art museum.

Later, he also studied in Paris, France. He went to the Académie des Beaux-Arts. There, he learned from the Swiss painter Charles Gleyre.

Becoming a Professor and Director

In 1874, Antoni Caba became a teacher. He taught "Color and Composition" at the Escola de la Llotja. This was the same school where he had first studied. From 1887 to 1901, he was the Director of the school.

During these years, he painted many portraits. He mostly painted people from the middle class. These clients lived in Catalonia, especially in Barcelona. People even gave him the nickname "fotográficos." This was because his portraits looked so real, almost like photographs.

Other Artworks and Legacy

Besides portraits, Antoni Caba also painted large murals. These are big paintings on walls. He created decorative murals in the Gran Teatro del Liceo. This is a famous opera house in Barcelona. He also painted murals in several private homes.

Antoni Caba passed away in Barcelona on January 25, 1907. His realistic style and many portraits made him an important Spanish painter.

See also

In Spanish: Antonio Caba para niños