Arcadi Mas i Fondevila

ARCADIO MAS Y FONDEVILA (Barcelona, 1852-Sitges, 1934).
"View of the rocks of Capri, near Naples".
Oil on panel.
Signed in the lower left corner.
Titled on the back in old handwritten label.
Measurements: 51 x 33,5 cm.

Delicate Italian view of Arcadio Mas y Fondevila, dedicated to the rocky landscape of Capri, near Naples. The composition combines the topographical interest with a luminist sensibility of great fineness: the clear rocks, the Mediterranean vegetation, the peasant figures and the wide sky build a serene scene, bathed by a vibrant and atmospheric light.

The brushstroke, loose and material, captures with particular skill the mineral texture of the terrain and the clarity of the southern landscape. The small figures, the animals and the constructions in the background introduce a traditionalist note without detracting from the strength of the natural surroundings.

Arcadi Mas i Fondevila trained at the La Lonja School in Barcelona with Antonio Caba and Claudio Lorenzale. In 1875 he obtained the first Fortuny scholarship from the Barcelona City Council, which allowed him to further his studies in Italy, where he came into contact with the Neapolitan naturalist school of Domenico Morelli.

On his return to Catalonia, together with Joan Roig Soler, he promoted the luminist school of Sitges, focused on capturing Mediterranean light. He participated in important national and international competitions, winning medals in Madrid and Barcelona, and also excelled as a pastel artist and draughtsman. In 1928 he was commissioned to paint a mural for the Sala de Sant Jordi in the Palace of the Generalitat. His work is represented in the MNAC, the Maricel Museum, the Cau Ferrat and the Sitges Town Hall, among other collections.