Maximino Peña Muñoz

MAXIMINO PEÑA MUÑOZ (Salduero, Soria, 1863 - Madrid, 1940).
"Portrait of a young girl.
Pastel on oval paper.
Signed in the upper left corner.
Measurements: 60 x 50 cm; 69 x 56 cm (frame).
Portrait of a young girl of great instantaneity, similar to a fleeting vision, more than to a portrait calmly elaborated in a study. The girl poses in a subtle way, holding a set of golden bouquets, looking at the viewer in a restrained gesture. The palette of earth and pastel colors used enhances the candid and childlike character of the little girl, resulting in a work of delicate beauty.
As a child Peña moved to Argentina to work with his uncle Felipe Muñoz. There he began his artistic training in the workshop of the painter Blanco Aguirre, who recommended him to enter the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid. After studying at the academy, he continued his apprenticeship in Rome, where he moved in 1885. There he frequented the workshops of, among others, José Benlliure and Joaquín Sorolla. From Rome he sent a work to the National Exhibition of Fine Arts in 1887, which was awarded a third medal. On his return to Madrid he participates in the decoration of the basilica of San Francisco el Grande, as well as in the activities of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, becoming a member of its board of directors. Since then his recognition increases, as well as the awards, such as the first medal awarded to him at the National Exhibition of 1912. His production was very extensive, and he excelled especially in the pastel technique. Works by Maximino Peña are currently kept in the Prado Museum and in the Fine Arts Museums of Zaragoza and Pamplona.