José Pont Segrelles

JOSÉ PONT SEGRELLES (20th century-2009, Valencia).
"Alboraya Orchard", 2005.
Pencils on paper.
Signed, dated and titled in the lower area.
Measurements: 23.5 x 38 cm., 52 x 67 cm. (frame).
José Pont Segrelles, a direct disciple and very dear nephew of the great José Segrelles, was a good painter and an excellent engraver, in the shadow and close relationship with another of our outstanding artists, Ernesto Furió, with whom he shared successive trips over the years, from which they both returned with enriching works. José Pont travelled extensively in Europe and America, forging friendly ties with outstanding Italian and Belgian colleagues. However, he was won over by his radical modesty, which led him to undervalue his own work, always putting admiration for the works of others first. He was a man of a clean heart, extreme kindness and limitless dedication to all those he could help in one way or another. He gave before he was asked. Massoni is right: beings of such complete humanity are rare. Prior to his artistic dedication, his first stage at the head of the unforgettable Rigal bookshop was decisive for a few generations of university students who came to stock up on books that were not published in Spain and which he, mysteriously, provided, supplying that magical back room of which Don Juan Rigal and above all José Pont possessed the "open sesame". One of the moments that filled him with satisfaction was his appointment as a corresponding member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos. His acceptance speech was on the figure of his revered uncle, José Segrelles. Friend and confidant of writers, artists, poets and musicians, as well as of anonymous people who sincerely loved him, José Pont takes with him a good period of the history of Valencian culture.