Photographic portrait of Lambert Escaler

ANTONI ESPLUGAS I PUIG (Barcelona, 1852–1929).
“Portrait of LAMBERT ESCALER I MILÀ (Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, 1874–Barcelona, 1957).”
Albumen print on paper, mounted on cardboard.
Bears the printed studio mark “A. Esplugas / Barcelona” in the lower margin.
Unpublished photograph.
Shows foxing spots and signs of age.
Measurements: 16.3 × 10.5 cm.

This studio portrait captures a youthful image of Lambert Escaler, a sculptor, decorator, and playwright associated with Catalan Modernism. The piece is also of particular interest because it comes from the prestigious studio of Antoni Esplugas, one of the leading portrait photographers active in Barcelona in the late 19th century. Escaler achieved special recognition for his polychrome terracotta works in the Symbolist and Art Nouveau styles; some of his works are preserved at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.