Antonio Fernández Gómez

ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ GÓMEZ (Goián, Pontevedra, 1882 - 1970).
"Tropical still life".
Oil on canvas.
Signed in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 50 x 90 cm; 54 x 103 cm (frame).
Antonio Fernández Gómez emigrated to Brazil when he was only twelve years old, and in São Paulo he receives drawing and painting lessons from the German artist Ernesto Papf. He soon held his first exhibitions, which were, however, unsuccessful. Nevertheless, Fernández was not discouraged and continued painting and touring the country with his pictures, being much better received in the cities of Pará and Manaus. Finally, in Rio de Janeiro, his work was awarded prizes and he sold all his paintings. Encouraged by his success, and interested in seeing the world, Fernández returned to Europe, and in Italy he discovered a small mountain village, Anticoli Corrado, where he worked tirelessly in the midst of absolute peace. On his return to Spain he took part in the National Exhibitions and in the Salones de Otoño (Autumn Salons), where he was made a member of merit for the seventh edition. At the same time, he continued to exhibit in Brazil, in order to maintain the contacts and prestige he had achieved there. Meanwhile, he continued to reap success in Spain. Settled in his native Goián, he worked tirelessly and painters such as Xavier Pousa were trained alongside him. Shortly before his death, the Círculo Mercantil de Vigo organised an anthological exhibition of his work, which was the last public appearance of the artist, already consumed by work and years. His work is currently present in the main Galician museums, as well as in numerous private collections in Brazil, the Nova Caixa Galicia collection and others.