Juan Gálvez (painter) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Gálvez
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| Born | 1774 Mora, Spain
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| Died | 12 December 1846 Madrid, Spain
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| Nationality | Spanish |
| Known for | court painter for King Ferdinand VII |
Juan Gálvez was a talented Spanish artist born in 1774 in Mora, Spain. He passed away in Madrid on December 12, 1846. Juan Gálvez became a special painter for King Ferdinand VII. He also led the important Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, which is a famous art school.
Contents
Life and Art
Early Career and Royal Art
Juan Gálvez started his art career when he was just twenty years old. He began painting for King Charles IV. His first jobs included decorating the Casita del Príncipe and the Royal Palace of El Pardo.
In 1801, he moved to Aranjuez to work on more royal buildings. There, he painted beautiful ceilings at the Royal Palace and the Casa del Labrador. Five years later, he got an official position. He worked under the famous artist Mariano Salvador Maella.
Documenting War Damage
During the Peninsular War, Spain faced many battles. Juan Gálvez and another artist, Fernando Brambila, were asked to help. General José de Palafox invited them to Zaragoza. Their task was to draw pictures of the damage from the First Siege. They also sketched important military events.
These drawings were later made into a series of thirty-two prints. This collection was called the Grabados de la Ruina de Zaragoza. It showed the destruction of the city and was published in Cádiz.
Court Painter and Director
After the war ended, Juan Gálvez continued to work for the royal family. He painted a portrait of King Ferdinand VII. Because of his skill, he became a member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
In 1816, he became the official Court Painter after the previous artist, Luis Japelli, passed away. Later, in 1829, he was chosen to be the Director of the Academia. During these years, King Ferdinand VII asked him to paint many vaults and ceilings. He also created several large wall paintings, called murals. These murals can be found in places like the Casino de la Reina in Madrid. He also painted rooms in El Escorial, including the Monastery, the Ambassador's Hall, and the Royal Retreat.
Juan Gálvez was also known for his decorative designs. He created beautiful ornaments for the chapel at the Royal Palace. He also designed the chapel that his son, Miguel Gálvez, made for the Real quinta de Quitapesares.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Gálvez (pintor) para niños
