Agustí Claramunt

AGUSTÍ CLARAMUNT MARTÍNEZ (Barcelona, 1846 - 1905).
"Ismael in the desert".
Sculpture in patinated terracotta.
Signed and titled on the base.
A version of this work is part of the collection of the Library Museum Victor Balaguer.
Measurements: 37 x 75 x 28 cm.

The sculpture represents Ismael in the harsh desert, visibly thirsty and emaciated. It is elaborated with a style that emphasizes the pathos, capturing the suffering in the expression. Beside him, a simple earthenware jar rests on the ground, devoid of a drop of water. This sculpture evokes the biblical story of Ishmael, son of Abraham and Hagar. According to Genesis (Chapter 21), Hagar and Ishmael were banished to the desert by Sarah. When they ran out of water, Ishmael nearly died of thirst. God heard the boy's lament and opened Hagar's eyes to see a well of water, saving them. The empty jar in the sculpture symbolizes desperation and lack of resources, while the figure of Ishmael represents human vulnerability and dependence on divine providence in times of extreme need.

Agustí Claramunt presented "Ismael in the desert" at the National Exhibition of Fine Arts in Madrid in 1884, consolidating its success. A version of this work is part of the collection of the Victor Balaguer Library-Museum, where it is currently housed.

Agustí Claramunt i Martínez was a renowned sculptor from Barcelona who developed his career in Catalonia, Spain and Europe. He was trained at the School of Fine Arts of Barcelona (Llotja), where he studied drawing geometry, its application and, later, painting, sculpture and engraving. He worked in the workshops of important sculptors of the time such as Rossend Novas, Roig, the Vallmitjana brothers and Joan Samsó Lengly. Claramunt gained recognition for his works, participating on several occasions in the National Exhibition of Fine Arts in Madrid. Some of his outstanding works include: "Arabs": Sculpture with which he obtained an honorable mention at the Regional Exhibition of Vilanova i la Geltrú (1882) and which he also exhibited in Barcelona in 1891. Solitude": A large marble statue destined for a pantheon in Sant Feliu de Guíxols (1883). "Ismael in the Desert". A terracotta copy of this work is part of the collection of the Victor Balaguer Library-Museum, where it is currently housed. "Angel invited to prayer": figure in Carrara marble for a pantheon in Vilanova i la Geltrú (1886). "San Blas" and "Virgen de la Candelaria": Wooden images commissioned for churches in Puerto Rico (1887).
"Works of Mercy": Group in plaster presented at the International Exhibition of Barcelona (1888), dedicated to the Queen Regent. "Dominican friar playing the cello": Obtained an honorable mention at the National Exhibition in Madrid in 1895. In addition to his artistic facet, Claramunt was appointed professor of drawing at the Casa de la Caridad in Barcelona in 1887. His work can be found in important collections such as the Victor Balaguer Library-Museum and the former Palau de les Belles Arts.