Ricard Opisso facts for kids
Ricard Opisso (1880–1966) was a talented artist from Catalonia, Spain. He was known for many things: drawing cartoons, making funny pictures of people (caricatures), illustrating books and magazines, and painting beautiful artworks.
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A Life in Art
Ricard Opisso was born in Tarragona, Spain. His family moved to Barcelona when he was just two years old. He came from a family of artists and writers. His father, Alfred Opisso i Viñas, was a journalist and critic. His sister, Regina Opisso, was also a writer.
Early Artistic Steps
In the late 1800s, Barcelona was a hub for modern art. When Opisso was only 12, he started working as an assistant to the famous architect Antonio Gaudí. He helped with the amazing Sagrada Família church in Barcelona.
Opisso also joined a group of artists called Els Quatre Gats (The Four Cats). This group included well-known artists like Ramon Casas, Manuel Hugué, Isidre Nonell, and even Pablo Picasso.
Drawing for Magazines
Later, Opisso became a successful illustrator for many magazines. From 1903, he drew for ¡Cu-cut!, and from 1912, for L'Esquella de la Torratxa. His early drawings often made fun of politics and leaders. His style was similar to a popular art style called art nouveau.
During a time when the government was very strict (the dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera), Opisso stopped drawing political cartoons. Instead, he started drawing everyday life. He became famous for showing large, lively crowds in popular scenes around Barcelona.
His most famous works from this time appeared in the comic magazine TBO. He started working there in 1919 and often drew the covers. He also contributed to other popular publications like En Patufet and Pocholo.
Later Success
After the Spanish Civil War, Opisso's paintings became very popular in Barcelona art galleries. In 1953, his hometown of Tarragona honored him at their IV Art Fair.
Opisso Museum
If you visit Barcelona, you can see many of Opisso's works at the Astoria Hotel. Since 2007, over 200 of his illustrations and posters have been on display there. These artworks come from the private collection of Jordi Clos, who owns the hotel chain. It's a great way to see some of his amazing art!
See also
In Spanish: Ricardo Opisso para niños
- ¡Cu-Cut!
- L'Esquella de la Torratxa
