Lost Sorolla Masterpiece Resurfaces in Madrid
Madrid is abuzz with the reappearance of a long-lost masterpiece by renowned Spanish Impressionist Joaquín Sorolla. “Paris Boulevard,” depicting the vibrant energy of a Parisian cafe at dusk, has captivated art enthusiasts since its surprising debut at the Royal Collections Gallery.
Painted during Sorolla’s Parisian sojourn between 1889 and 1890, the canvas bursts with life. The artist, usually known for his sun-drenched Mediterranean scenes, captures the bustling atmosphere of the boulevard with remarkable detail. A glimpse of Sorolla himself even appears in the painting, enjoying a cigar with a soldier at a table, adding a personal touch to the scene.
"Paris Boulevard" made its initial splash at the 1890 National Exhibition, where its unique style immediately distinguished it from prevailing Spanish art trends. Then, it vanished. For over a century, art historians believed the painting had been lost forever.
"All the experts thought it had disappeared, but a real detective story unfolded," revealed Ana de la Cueva, president of Spain’s national heritage institution, Patrimonio Nacional. "It was still in the hands of the family who bought it back then, and they graciously allowed us to exhibit it."
Blanca Pons-Sorolla, a curator of the exhibition and Sorolla’s great-granddaughter, praised the painting’s artistic merit. "The panoramic composition – very photographic and unconcerned with figures cut off at the edges – really grabs your attention and gives it a freshness that anticipates Sorolla’s later work," she said. "The drawing is precise, the brushstrokes restrained, and the details have a virtuosity that defines the meticulous and defined style of his early works."
The exhibition, "Sorolla, One Hundred Years of Modernity," offers a captivating retrospective of the artist’s career, with "Paris Boulevard" shining as a rediscovered gem.
[Image of "Paris Boulevard" displayed here]
This unexpected reappearance of a classic Sorolla painting offers a rare opportunity for art lovers to experience a lost chapter in the artist’s journey. "Sorolla, One Hundred Years of Modernity" will be on display at the Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid until February 25, 2025.
[Social media embeds related to the exhibition and the painting can be placed here]
