Vicente Castell Facts for Kids

Self-portrait (1906)

Vicente Castell Doménech (born May 5, 1871 – died January 18, 1934) was a Spanish painter. He was known for his costumbrista style, which means he painted everyday scenes and customs of his time.

A Young Artist's Journey
Selected Paintings
See also

A Young Artist's Journey

Vicente Castell was born in a regular neighborhood in Castellón de la Plana, Spain. Many people there, including his parents, worked with their hands making crafts. From a young age, Vicente loved to draw. When he was just twelve years old, he started working as an apprentice in a local workshop that painted decorations.

His talent for art was clear. Soon, he began taking classes with a well-known painter and drawing teacher named Eduardo Laforet [es]. Laforet had a home and workshop in Castellón where he helped young artists learn and grow.

Portrait of the famous guitarist Francisco Tárrega (1904)

One of Laforet's friends helped Vicente get into the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Carlos in Valencia. He studied there from 1891 to 1893. To pay for his studies, he took on many different jobs and painted portraits for people. While in Valencia, he was inspired by the works of famous painters like Joaquín Sorolla and Ignacio Pinazo.

Studying and Traveling

Because of his excellent artwork, Vicente received scholarships from the Diputación Provincial de Castellón [es], which helped him financially. He also found a supporter in Gaspar Cazador, who owned the Hotel España. These funds allowed him to continue his studies at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de Sant Jordi in Barcelona from 1898 to 1899. After that, he studied at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid.

In Madrid, he often visited the Museo del Prado to study the works of the Old Masters, who were very famous painters from the past. Later, he traveled to Rome, but he became very sick with yellow fever. He almost died, but a friend helped him return home. After recovering, he was able to attend the Exposition Universelle (a big world fair) in Paris in 1900.

Life and Teaching

In 1901, Vicente Castell won a bronze medal at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts. The next year, he got married and opened his own art academy. He became a very important teacher in Castellón, guiding many talented painters who later became well-known. Some of his students included Juan Bautista Porcar [es], Juan Adsuara Ramos [es], and Matilde Segarra Gil [ca].

During a difficult time when there wasn't much demand for art, Vicente and a friend started a small workshop where they made toys. One day, he accidentally pricked his middle finger on his right hand with a large piece of wood. This led to an infection that needed surgery, and his finger was left almost unable to move.

Public Service and Legacy

In 1923, the Mayor, Francisco Ruiz Cazador, asked Vicente to become a Municipal Councillor, which meant he helped manage the city. Later, he became a Deputy Mayor. In 1928, he helped start the Escuela de Artes y Oficios (School of Arts and Crafts) and was chosen to be its Director.

Vicente Castell had heart attacks in 1932 and 1933. He sadly passed away from another heart attack in 1934 in Castellón de la Plana. To honor his memory, a street and a school in Castellón have been named after him.