Joaquín Sorolla

Joaquín Sorolla (1863–1923) was a Spanish painter renowned for his luminous depictions of Mediterranean life, earning him the title “Master of Light.” Trained in Valencia and later influenced by his time in Rome and Paris, Sorolla began his career with socially conscious realist works before evolving into a unique style that blended Impressionism and Luminism. He became internationally acclaimed for his vibrant seaside scenes, intimate portraits, and the monumental mural series Vision of Spain for the Hispanic Society of America. Sorolla painted en plein air with unmatched skill in capturing light and movement, particularly in beach scenes and family moments. Privately, he was devoted to his wife Clotilde—his frequent muse—and their three children, often portraying them in serene domestic settings. Though he suffered a stroke in later life, his legacy endures through the Museo Sorolla in Madrid and collections worldwide, celebrating his joyful, sunlit vision of Spanish life.