José Marcelo Contreras facts for kids

The Doubt of Saint Peter

José Marcelo Contreras y Muñoz (born January 16, 1827 – died around 1890–1892) was a Spanish artist and art teacher. He is mostly known for painting historical scenes. He also created portraits and everyday life scenes.

His Life and Art

José Marcelo Contreras y Muñoz was born in Granada, Spain. His father, José Contreras Osorio, was an architect. At first, José Marcelo worked in business. But he showed a great talent for art. So, he began studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Granada.

After that, he learned from other artists like Francisco Enríquez and Agapito López de San Román. In 1847, he finished his studies in Granada. Then, he moved to Madrid to study at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. There, he learned from famous painters such as Federico de Madrazo and Juan Antonio Ribera.

Working in Córdoba

In 1854, José Marcelo moved to Córdoba. He became the Director of the local museum there. For two years, he worked on a list of all the art in the museum. After this, he went back to Granada for a short time to marry Francisca Vilches.

Back in Córdoba, he started getting art jobs from important local families. In 1860, he applied for several teaching jobs.

Teaching and Exhibitions

After 1861, José Marcelo spent most of his time teaching art. He taught at art schools in Cádiz and then in Valencia. During this time, his paintings also started to become popular.

In 1864, he showed his painting The Doubt of Saint Peter at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts. He won a second-class medal for it! The famous Museo del Prado bought his painting. After this, more wealthy families wanted him to paint for them.

Moving to Madrid

The next year, in 1865, his wife passed away. José Marcelo and his children then moved to Madrid. He became a Professor at the Academy there.

In Madrid, he often showed his art at the National Exhibition. He also started doing decorative work for buildings. He painted the curtain at the Teatro Novedades and a ceiling at the Café de Madrid. He also decorated the curtain and ceilings at the Teatro Lara. Plus, he created decorations for the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande.

He was given a special honor called Commander in the Order of Isabel the Catholic. José Marcelo Contreras y Muñoz died in Granada around 1890 or 1892.

See also

In Spanish: José Marcelo Contreras y Muñoz para niños