Marià Fortuny, a leading Spanish painter of his day, shares the same birthplace as Gaudi and Domènech, Reus, near Tarragona and is credited with developing Costumbrismo, the pictorial interpretation of local everyday Hispanic life, customs and traditions.  Although costumbrist painters focused on the precise representation of people and places, the emphasis on colourful historic dress and events such as fiestas, bull fights and religious festivals, also ties them to romanticism.  Fortuny’s vivacious iridescent brushstroke brought new life to Costumbrismo and established Hispanic life as a worthy subject.  He paved the way for the next generation, the Modernisme painters.

Ramon Casas through his posters and other graphic works helped to define Catalan Modernisme.  He was one of the founders of the café Els Quatre Gats (Four Cats).  The café was opened in 1897 by four artists – Miguel Utrillo, Pere Romeu, Santiago Rusiñol and Casas.  It soon became a meeting place for the avant-garde.  Exhibitions and concerts were held at the café, providing opportunities for younger artists:  Pablo Picasso had his first exhibition at the café Els Quatre Gats and in his early works he often depicted Catalan life.

About the Lecturer

Anne Anderson

From 1993-2007 Anne was a senior lecturer on the Fine Arts Valuation degree courses at Southampton Solent University, where she specialised in the Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism. She has published books on the Pre-Raphaelites, Edward Burne-Jones, and Art Nouveau Architecture. Her academic papers have appeared in many well-respected journals including Design History; The British Art Journal; and Victorian Literature and Culture.  Anne has also curated four national exhibitions, mostly recently Beyond the Brotherhood The Pre-Raphaelite Legacy (2019-20). American fellowships held include the Huntington Library, CA and the American Antiquarian Society, MA.  Anne’s career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world from Australia to Canada. She has also lectured on several cruise ships, Swan Hellenic’s Minerva, the Spirit of Adventure and the Hebridean.