Sorolla, hunting impressions

After its closure at the Palau Martorell in Barcelona, the exhibition «Sorolla. Hunting impressions» travels in a more expanded version to the Royal Academy of Spain in Rome, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year 2023 (1873-2023). «Sorolla, sprazzi di luce e colore» is curated by Blanca Pons-Sorolla, great-granddaughter of the painter and specialist in his work, and María López Fernández. The exhibition presents a careful selection of his production, this time enlarged, approximately 250 pieces, with a selection of works on a classical theme or made by Sorolla during his stay in Rome, which will also highlight the influence of the macchiaioli, who were pioneers in the realization of small spots or notes of color, they had on the Valencian painter.

Joaquín Sorolla's trajectory of international successes crossed several times with Rome and with the Academy. From 1885 to 1889, he was pensioned by the Valencia Provincial Council in the eternal city. The importance of the relations of the Spanish artists present in the city with the Roman and international artistic circles has led one to think that, during the period in which the Valencian remained in the city, he was in contact with the pensioners of the Academy itself. . For this reason, this exhibition is presented as an excellent opportunity to complete an investigation with the aim of verifying the connections between the great master of light, the city of Rome and the Academy.

Throughout his life, Joaquín Sorolla painted close to two thousand oil paintings on cardboard, board, paper or very small pieces of canvas -they do not exceed 20 x 30 cm-, which he called «notes», «stains» or "colour notes". This format, the protagonist of this exhibition, was increasingly used throughout the 19th century, as it allowed ideas or impressions to be quickly collected, beyond a simple sketch.