Nicolás Megía facts for kids
Nicolás Megía Márquez (born December 6, 1845 – died April 15, 1917) was a Spanish painter. He painted in the Academic and Realistic styles. He was best known for his historical paintings that showed everyday life, called costumbrista art. Many of his works were beautiful watercolors.
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Early Life and Art Training
Nicolás Megía Márquez was born in Fuente de Cantos, Spain. He started his art education at a special school in Madrid. This school was part of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. He studied there from 1866 to 1870. His teachers included Domingo Valdivieso and Federico de Madrazo.
After he finished his studies, he received a special grant. This grant allowed him to travel and study art in other countries.
Studying Abroad and Gaining Fame
From 1872 to 1878, Nicolás Megía studied in Rome, Italy. He learned from the famous artist Marià Fortuny. He also attended the Accademia Chigi. While in Rome, he was influenced by a group of Italian painters called the Macchiaioli.
Next, he moved to Paris, France. He worked with the artist Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier until 1880. By this time, art dealers really liked his paintings. A German company helped sell his art all over Europe and North America. In 1880, he showed his painting "Laboremus" at the Paris Salon. This was a big art exhibition. It was special because many other artists there were painting in the Impressionist style, but Megía stuck to his historical style.
Return to Spain and Later Years
When Megía returned to Madrid, Spain, his success continued. He earned important positions in art groups. He became the president of the Society of Watercolorists. He also became a painting professor at the Superior School of Arts and Industries. He even taught the sisters of King Alfonso XII how to paint.
He often showed his art at major exhibitions in Spain. These included the Círculo de Bellas Artes and the National Exhibition of Fine Arts. In 1890, he won second prize for a painting. It showed a scene from the defense of Zaragoza.
Nicolás Megía Márquez passed away in Madrid in 1917. He was 71 years old. After his death, his work was not as well-known for a while. However, efforts have been made to bring his art back into the spotlight. In 2011, a museum in Badajoz held a special exhibition of his paintings.
See also
In Spanish: Nicolás Megía para niños
