Josep Llovera Bofill

JOSEP LLOVERA BOFILL (Reus, Tarragona, 1846 - 1896).
"Maja".
Red chalk on paper.
Signed in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 43 x 33 cm; 73 x 58 cm (frame).

Llovera portrays in this painting a Spanish woman, dressed in an elegant dress and mantilla. She shows a traditional beauty and appears in a proud posture; while she bends her left arm making her hand rest on her waist, with her right hand she holds a fan at the height of her waist.

Painter, draftsman and doctor in Pharmacy, Josep Llovera began his career collaborating as an illustrator under the pseudonym of "Mr. Petrequín" with publications such as "Un tros de paper", "L'Ase", "La campana de Gracia", "L'Esquella de la Torratxa", "La Ilustració Catalana", "Gil Blas" and others. In 1865 he published "Álbum humorístico". Thanks to the indications of Mariano Fortuny he also dedicated himself to painting, focusing on the themes of popular scenes and types, which he captured with finesse and elegance. He also worked in watercolor and etching. Josep Llovera is currently represented in the MACBA, the Municipal de Reus, the Fine Arts Museum of Buenos Aires and the University of Barcelona, as well as in various private collections.