Emili Sivillà Torres

EMILI SIVILLÀ TORRES (Barcelona, 1845-1894).
"Port of Barcelona during the Universal Exposition of 1888".
Red chalk on paper.
Signed.
A similar version of the work is preserved in the Maritime Museum of Barcelona.
Measurements: 25.5 x 83 cm. 27.5 x 85 cm. (frame).

Oil on canvas showing the port of Barcelona during the Universal Exhibition of 1888, one of the great events in the history of the city, which marked the beginning of the great urban transformation of Barcelona. As was customary in this type of celebrations, some of the participating countries sent a representation of their navies, thus forming a kind of great ceremonial parade in the city's port. The ships, adorned with flags and often firing salvos, became a great spectacle. Sivillà's painting portrays what the port looked like during those days.

Emili Sivillà Torres began his artistic training in 1861, studying painting and drawing at La Llotja School in Barcelona. He participated in the Barcelona Exhibition of 1866, where one of his studies was acquired by the Academy of Fine Arts for the Provincial Museum. He also participated in the 1870 edition. During these years he still worked on a wide range of subjects, including the painting of ships. In 1875 the documentary sources indicate that he sold all his belongings to move to Morocco, where he was able to know the life of the exotic Orient at first hand. In Tangier he painted not only inland landscapes and seascapes, but also portrayed daily life, local types and customs. He always maintained ties with his native city, as evidenced by his participation in the Universal Exposition of this city in 1888. Four years earlier he had also taken part in the National Fine Arts Exhibition in Barcelona, and in 1887 he took part in the Exhibition held in the San Sebastian building in the same city. The recognition of his work did not end with his death, but culminated with the exhibition of several of his works in the great exhibition of paintings by the great Catalan masters held in 1931 at the Galerías Layetanas in Barcelona. Given the commercial success of his work in his time, most of it is preserved today in private collections, although his work can also be seen in museums such as the Maritime Museum of Barcelona.