VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE : MASTER OF LIGHT: SOROLLA

Sorolla, Master of Light

Portrait of Elena Sorolla, by her father

wearing a fortuny gown

Joaquín Sorolla, from the coastal town of Valencia, has become one of Spain’s most important artists. For the late 19th-century painter, high society, fashion, travelling along the northern Spanish coast and family life were among his favourite subjects. He encapsulating the perfect light in every enthralling scene.

With our expert art historian (and eternal Sorolla fan) leading the way, we look at Sorolla’s most wonderful & significant pieces.

Learn specifically about Sorolla's interpretations of...

The Sea

In the second half of the 19th century, it became fashionable for members of the upper classes to spend the summer in Santander, Zarautz, San Sebastián, Biarritz and other seaside towns. Fashionable clothing and sophisticated accessories such as parasols and hats played an essential role in these elegant settings and Sorolla, a prominent witness of his time, reflects this impeccably in his portraits painted by the sea, mostly of members of his immediate family.

But specially famous are his beach scenes in his home town of Valencia, where children bask in the sun and fisherwomen go about their chores. They are an ode of thanksgiving to the beauty of nature and the joy of life.

High Society

Throughout his career Sorolla received many commissions to portray members of the upper classes, not only the bourgeoisie and aristocracy but also Spanish royalty. He also painted prominent members of American society whom he met during his trips to the United States.

In these pictures he describes and reveals the “soul” of his sitters, the way they were and, above all, their wish to be recognized as such. A few of these works faithfully reproduce turn-of-the-century fashions, some of which are more classical, while others are ultramodern and reflect the latest trends in dress.

Family

His many depictions of family scenes and the everyday life of his children and his wife indicate that family was one of the pillars of Joaquín Sorolla’s life. In particular, the numerous and extremely beautiful portraits he made over the years of his wife and muse, Clotilde García del Castillo, bear witness to his love of his family. These engaging images were also a showcase of his work and attracted a growing clientele.

DETAILS & BOOKING

Schedule: Private sessions are available any day of the week.

Time & Date: To be arranged with you!

Duration: 1 hour

What’s included: Session on Zoom by a professional art historian

Price: Your own private session is US$ 250 / £ 195 / 215 € / AU$ 352 – from 1 to 10 people.

♥ Once you purchase your ticket, you will be sent a PDF with all the recipe & wine suggestions as well as the ZOOM LINK.

***Please sign in to the class 10 minutes before start time

“Balenciaga happens to be one of my most favourite haute couturiers so it was a real treat to listen to (our guide) speak most informatively on how the Spanish art masters (most of whose works are housed in Madrid's Museums) influenced Balenciaga's designs. Parallels can easily be drawn between Balenciaga's choice of shape, architectural form, colour, fabric, embroidery and embellishment and the portraits of Velazquez, El Greco and Goya resulting in Balenciaga's exquisite collections that truly reflect the very heart and soul of Spanish culture in all its finery. This is an unmissable series of talks and will have you planning your next escape to the delights of all things Hispanic...”

“You don’t have to be a Fashion lover to enjoy this class - The beauty of Balenciaga’s clothes, combined with the beauty of the art that inspired him, was one of the most memorable presentations I have seen!”