Ricardo Arredondo Calmache facts for kids
Ricardo Arredondo Calmache (born October 23, 1850 – died 1911) was a Spanish painter. He was famous for his detailed paintings of landscapes and everyday life scenes, also known as costumbrista scenes.
Early Life and Art Training
Ricardo Arredondo was born in a town called Cella. His father was a soldier who fought in a war. When Ricardo was twelve, his family moved to Toledo with help from his uncle, who was an important priest.
Ricardo didn't want to go to military school. Instead, he chose to study art. He took lessons from Matías Moreno. Later, he joined the "Escuela Especial de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado de Madrid," a special art school in Madrid. There, he learned from a famous teacher named Carlos de Haes.
After his studies in Spain, Ricardo traveled to Paris, France. In Paris, he met other artists, including Ernest Meissonier. He was also influenced by the Barbizon school, a group of artists known for painting landscapes outdoors.
Becoming a Painter
When Ricardo came back to Spain, he started showing his paintings in the National Exhibition of Fine Arts (Spain). He continued to participate in these important art shows for about twenty years. He also traveled all over Spain, drawing pictures for a big book project that, unfortunately, was never finished.
Ricardo inherited some money after his uncle, who had become a religious advisor to the King, passed away. He used this money to buy and fix up an old, run-down mansion.
A writer named Gregorio Marañón said that Ricardo didn't sell many of his paintings. Instead, he enjoyed sharing them with his friends. One of his close friends was the famous writer Benito Pérez Galdós. Ricardo often acted as a "cicerone" for Galdós, which means he was like a guide, showing him around and explaining things.
Life in Toledo
Ricardo also worked as a local government official in Toledo. He was part of a group that helped restore old buildings and monuments. He helped oversee the repair of the Puerta de Bisagra Nueva, an important gate in Toledo. Because of this work, he became a member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes, a respected art academy.
He painted many scenes of Toledo and the Tagus River that flows through the city. His love for Toledo and his many paintings of it earned him the nickname "Pintor de Toledo," which means "Painter of Toledo." Ricardo Arredondo Calmache passed away in Madrid in 1911.
Images for kids
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Ricardo Arredondo
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