Antonio Cortina

ANTONIO CORTINA (Valencia, 1841–Madrid, 1890).
“Allegory,” 1880.
Oil on panel.
Signed and dated in the lower right corner.
Measurements: 33 x 22 cm.
A distinguished draftsman and portraitist, he began his career in the art world at an early age; at just ten years old, he enrolled in the San Carlos Academy of Fine Arts in Valencia. His admission to that institution was supported by its director, Juan Dordá, his sculpture teacher, Rafael Alemany, and Professor Luis Gonzaga del Valle.
He participated in the National Fine Arts Exhibition in Madrid, presenting a plaster bust depicting Juan Plaza. After demonstrating his skill with sculptural materials, he also devoted himself to the creation and design of Fallas.
Cortina’s artistic life was surrounded by artists of the stature of Ignacio Pinazo, Francisco Domingo Marqués, Joaquín Agrasot, and Emilio Sala Francés.
Throughout his career, he received various awards and honors, such as the Silver Medal from the Regional Exhibition of Valencia, as well as the Gold Medal from the Fine Arts Exhibition of the City of Valencia. In 1877, he became an honorary member of the Scientific and Literary Athenaeum of Valencia.