José Uria

JOSÉ URIA (Oviedo, 1861 - Vigo, Pontevedra, 1937).
Untitled.
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 46 x 38 cm; 53 x 46 cm (frame).
In this intimate domestic interior, José Uría constructs a scene of sober stillness in which the everyday acquires a subtle evocative charge. The chest of drawers, with several drawers half-open, introduces a sensation of a stopped moment, almost as if someone had just interrupted an action. From one of them emerges a neglected cloth, bringing a slight dynamism to the composition and suggesting an absent but latent human presence.on the surface of the cabinet, the basin and the pitcher become the visual focus: the intense green of the latter bursts with force on a range dominated by browns and ochers, characteristic of the artist's tonal taste and content.

José Uría initially trained in Oviedo with Antonio Fernández Cuevas and continued his studies at the San Fernando School of Fine Arts from 1877. He furthered his training with Salvador Martínez Cubells and by copying works by Diego Velázquez at the Prado Museum. Between 1882 and 1890 he lived in Rome, where he specialized in historical painting under the influence of José Benlliure, José Villegas and Luis Álvarez Catalá. Upon his return to Spain, he settled in Oviedo and developed his teaching career, also spending time in Valladolid. His painting evolved from historical themes towards a social painting of strong psychological content, with which he obtained recognition in the National Exhibitions, highlighting the second medal in 1894 for Final de una huelga (End of a Strike). Later, he focused on portraiture.
Uría participated regularly in the National Exhibitions from 1881 and was recognized with awards, including a third medal for Lope de Vega in the Cemetery. His work, present today in institutions such as the Museo del Prado, the Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias and the Fundación Telefónica, is characterized in its social aspect by large canvases with industrial themes, realist inspiration and a sober palette, dominated by shades of gray tinged with subtle accents of color.