José Garnelo facts for kids

José Garnelo (before 1900)

José Santiago Garnelo y Alda (born July 25, 1866 – died October 28, 1944) was a talented Spanish painter. He was known for his "Naturalist" style. This means he painted things very realistically, just like they looked in real life. He often painted everyday scenes, portraits of people, and stories from ancient history.

A Young Artist's Journey

José Garnelo was born in a town called Enguera. When he was only two, his family moved to Montilla. His father was a doctor. In 1882, after finishing school, José went to Seville. He planned to study philosophy and literature. However, he soon changed his mind. He decided to study painting instead. He enrolled at the "Escuela de Bellas Artes de Santa Isabel de Hungría." He studied there until 1885. His teachers included Eduardo Cano and Manuel Ussel de Guimbarda.

He then continued his art studies in Madrid. He attended the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. Here, he learned from artists like Casto Plasencia and Dióscoro Puebla. José was very good at painting. He even received a medal for his work in 1886. Two years later, he won a special scholarship. This allowed him to travel and study art in Rome.

Awards and Teaching

In 1892, José Garnelo achieved a big success. He won first prize at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts. This was for his painting of Cornelia Africana. It was a classical portrait. The next year, he earned another medal. This was at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Soon after, he became a professor. He taught at the Escuela de Bellas Artes in Zaragoza.

In 1895, he moved to Barcelona. He taught at the Escuela de Bellas Artes there. One of his famous students was Pablo Picasso. In 1900, José became a professor at the Real Academia in Madrid. He became a full member in 1912. Three years later, he was given an important role. He became a Sub-Director at the Museo del Prado. This is a very famous art museum. In 1930, he became the Director of the "School of Painting, Sculpture and Engraving."

Other Works and Legacy

Besides his paintings, José Garnelo also worked on other art projects. He helped restore parts of the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande, Madrid. He also restored ceilings at the Casón del Buen Retiro. He created new murals for the Convent of the Salesas Reales. Murals are large paintings on walls or ceilings. He also worked as an illustrator for books. One book he illustrated was written by his father.

José Garnelo received many honors during his life. He was given the Order of Charles III. This is a special award in Spain. In 1902, he was named a "Painter to the Crown." This meant he was an official painter for the Spanish royal family. Several art shows have featured his work. These shows were held in Córdoba. José Garnelo passed away in Montilla when he was 78 years old. Most of his artworks are now kept at the Museo Garnelo. This museum opened in Montilla in 2000.

Images for kids

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  Dona adormida (Sleeping Woman) - Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

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  Cornelia with her sons, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus.

See also

In Spanish: José Garnelo para niños