Miguel Parra Abril facts for kids
.jpg)
.jpg)
Miguel Parra Abril (born 1780 in Valencia, died 1846 in Madrid) was a talented Spanish artist. He worked as a special painter for King Ferdinand VII. Miguel Parra Abril was famous for painting people's faces (portraits) and pictures of everyday objects, especially beautiful flowers (still-lifes). Another well-known painter, Vicente López Portaña, was married to Miguel's sister.
Contents
Miguel Parra Abril's Early Life and Training
Miguel Parra Abril started his art studies in Valencia. He learned at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Carlos de Valencia. His main teacher was Benito Espinós. Miguel focused on painting flowers and decorative designs.
In 1803, he earned a special title for his flower paintings. It showed he was a very skilled artist. Later, in 1811, he received the same honor for painting historical scenes. During this time, he also created designs for the silk industry.
Moving to Madrid and Royal Appointment
In 1812, Miguel became an assistant painting teacher at the Academy. However, in 1814, he did not get the main teaching job. Because of this, he decided to move to Madrid in 1815. This was after the Peninsular War had ended.
In Madrid, Miguel showed King Ferdinand VII some of his paintings. These artworks celebrated the King's return to power. The King was very impressed. He then gave Miguel a special job as a royal painter.
Life as a Court Painter
Miguel had to go back to Valencia because his parents were not well. But he kept sending his paintings to the royal court. The King paid him an annual amount of money for his work. This was a good income for an artist.
In 1821, Miguel became the Director of Painting at the Academy in Valencia. Two years later, he was promoted again. He became the General Director of the Academy.
After King Ferdinand VII passed away, Miguel continued his work for the royal family. He became a favorite painter of Maria Christina. She was the Queen who ruled for her young daughter.
In 1836, many artworks from churches and monasteries became government property. Miguel was put in charge of collecting these pieces. Many of these paintings are now in the Museu de Belles Arts de Valencia.
Family and Legacy
Miguel Parra Abril also helped his son, José Felipe, become a painter. José Felipe was born in 1824 and died in 1864. Miguel passed away while traveling with his son. They were going to Madrid to show José's paintings to Queen Isabella II.
Today, you can see Miguel Parra Abril's artworks in several places. Some are in the Museu de Belles Arts in Valencia. Others are at the Royal Palace of Madrid and Valencia cathedral.
