Benito Belli

BENITO BELLI (Barcelona, late nineteenth century - early twentieth century).
"Couple", 1896.
Oil on board of oval format.
Signed and dated at the top.
With golden frame.
Measurements: 41 x 54 cm; 51 x 64 cm (frame).

In this canvas Benito Belli offers us the portrait of two popular characters in a traditional composition within the genre, but nevertheless treated through a look more typical of the painting of types and customs. In fact, the characters do not seem to pose, but remain oblivious to our gaze, looking sideways at each other, in natural and casual positions, as if it were a snapshot of everyday life.

Trained at the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, he went to Paris in 1878 to further his studies, where he remained for the rest of his life. Specializing in biblical and historical subjects, he also stood out for his male portraits, with a style inspired by that of the Spanish Baroque masters, mainly Velázquez. His style is incisive and of great psychological depth, sometimes approaching expressionism. He participated in several group exhibitions, as well as in competitions such as the Fine Arts Exhibition in Barcelona. In 1902 two of Belli's works became part of the then Municipal Museum of Fine Arts of Barcelona, coming from a private collection.