Antoni De Ferrer

ANTONI DE FERRER CORRIOL (Vic, Barcelona, 1849 - Barcelona, 1909).
"Les camarellas", 1884.
Oil on canvas.
Relined.
Signed and dated in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 130 x 95 cm; 160 x 125 cm (frame).

Antoni De Ferrer immortalized festivities and customs of the rural Catalonia of his time. This magnificent painting (one of his most celebrated works) illustrates a peculiar Easter tradition rooted in some northern regions. During the Caramelles, people danced and sang, parades were held and hen eggs were given as gifts. These were given to the lucky men and women in decorated baskets like the one we see approaching the window of this stone house. A young girl looks out and takes the small fowl egg with pleasure, while at street level the villagers, wearing barretinas, sing, laugh and chatter animatedly. The psychological characterization of each one of them stands out, their expressive faces, sparkling eyes and toasted skins from a life spent in the open air.

Catalan painter and architect of the second half of the 19th century, Antonio de Ferrer was trained as a disciple of José Serra y Porson at the School of Fine Arts of Sant Jordi, in Barcelona. From 1878 he showed his work regularly in the official exhibitions of Fine Arts, obtaining honorable mention in 1895 and 1904 and a medal in the Architecture Section of the Universal of Barcelona in 1888. At the National Fine Arts Exhibitions he presented "Episodio del Bruch" (1881), "Fiestas populares de Cataluña" (1884), "Las camarellas" (1884) and "La parada" (1887). He also participated in the International Exhibitions of Berlin in 1891 and 1896. We also know that he made an altarpiece for the Sanctuary of Rocaprevera in Torelló (Barcelona). An artist faithful to academic standards, he cultivated genre themes, focusing mainly on Catalan customs. He is currently represented in the Museum of Girona, as well as in various private collections.