Josep Amat

JOSEP AMAT PAGÈS (Barcelona, 1901 - 1991).
"Street", 1936
Watercolor on paper.
Signed and dated in the lower margin.
With Sala Parés label on the back.
Measurements: 30 x 40 cm; 50,5 x 59,5 cm (frame).

In this watercolor Josep Amat represents a calm urban scene of popular character. The simple architecture, with balconies, shutters and irregular roofs, places the scene in a Mediterranean environment, while the presence of some characters conversing or resting reinforces the daily and peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Amat uses a soft range of blues, ochers and grays that brings freshness and luminosity to the whole, sensitively capturing the light and atmosphere of the scene.

Josep Amat was trained at La Llotja de Barcelona and was a disciple of Joaquim Mir, completing his training in France and Italy. He exhibited in cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Brussels and Havana, regularly showing his work at the Sala Parés between 1943 and 1987. He was awarded in exhibitions and competitions, among them the Spring Salon in Barcelona, the National Fine Arts and the Havana Biennial (1953). Professor of landscape painting at the School of Fine Arts of Barcelona, he joined the Royal Catalan Academy of Fine Arts of Sant Jordi in 1981.

His work is preserved in institutions such as the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Museum of Montserrat and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.