José Domínguez Bécquer facts for kids
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José María Domínguez Insausti, known as José Domínguez Bécquer, was a Spanish painter. He was born in Seville on January 22, 1805, and passed away there on January 28, 1841. He painted in a style called Costumbrismo, which focused on everyday life and customs. José Domínguez Bécquer was the father of two famous artists: the poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and the painter Valeriano Bécquer.
Early Life and Family
José came from an old Flemish family. They had lived in Seville since the 1500s. While his family was once very rich and famous, they had lost their money by the 1700s. However, they still kept their noble pride. His parents were Antonio Domínguez Bécquer and María Antonia Insausti. Later, José chose to use the name Bécquer instead of Insausti. This was his way of honoring his family's original roots.
Becoming an Artist
José studied art at the Escuela de Tres Nobles Artes. There, he became great friends with another student, Antonio María Esquivel. This friendship lasted his whole life. In 1827, José married Joaquina Bastida y Vargas. His friend Esquivel was his best man at the wedding. José and Joaquina had eight children together. Two of their most famous children were Valeriano and Gustavo, who became artists themselves. Sadly, his youngest son, also named José, was born in 1841, after his father had passed away.
His Art Studio and Fame
In 1830, José joined the Academia de Bellas Artes de Sevilla. He also opened his own art studio. From 1837 to 1841, he carefully wrote down everything that happened in his studio. He met many British painters who visited Spain, like David Roberts and John Frederick Lewis. Many of José's paintings were sent to England from Cádiz. The British Consul there, John MacPherson Brackenbury, helped him with this. People often said that José's artwork was more famous in England than in Spain.
Later Life and Legacy
José Domínguez Bécquer died suddenly when he was only thirty-six years old. The reason for his death was not shared. His cousin, Joaquín, had lived with José's family. Joaquín had also helped out in José's art studio. After José's death, Joaquín became the guardian for José's son, Valeriano.
José was one of many artists who drew pictures for a travel book. The book was called Artistic and Monumental Spain. It had three volumes and was led by Jenaro Pérez Villaamil. The book was published in 1842, after José had passed away.
In Spanish: José Domínguez Bécquer para niños
