Ramon Casas i Carbó was a Spanish artist, known for his impressionist paintings and his role in defining the Catalan art movement known as modernisme. Born on January 4, 1866, in Barcelona, Spain, he studied at the Llotja School of Fine Arts and later traveled to Paris, where he became influenced by the works of French Impressionists such as Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Early Life and Training

Casas was born into a well-off family in Barcelona. His father had made a fortune in Matanzes, Cuba, and his mother was from a prominent Catalan family. In 1877, he abandoned his regular schooling to study art in the studio of Joan Vicens. This marked the beginning of his artistic journey, which would take him to Paris and establish him as a prominent figure in the Catalan art scene.

Paris and the Emergence of Modernisme

In 1881, Casas traveled to Paris, where he studied at the Carolus Duran Academy and later at the Gervex Academy. He functioned as a Paris correspondent for L'Avenç, a magazine that played a significant role in shaping his artistic style. During this period, he met several artists who would influence his work, including Laureà Barrau, Santiago Rusiñol, Eugène Carrière, Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, and Ignacio Zuloaga.

Collaborations and Exhibitions

Casas collaborated with Santiago Rusiñol on a short book, Por Cataluña (desde mi carro), which featured text by Rusiñol and illustrations by Casas. He also exhibited his work at the Sala Parés in 1890, alongside other notable artists. His paintings from this period, such as Plen Air and Bal du Moulin de la Galette, showcased his unique style, which blended academic and impressionist elements.

Establishing Modernisme

The emerging modernista art world gained a center with the opening of Els Quatre Gats, a bar modeled after Le Chat Noir in Paris. Casas largely financed this venture, which became a hub for Catalan artists and intellectuals. He continued to travel to Paris for the annual Salons, showcasing his work and solidifying his reputation as a master of Catalan art.

• Some of his notable works include Madeleine, which is an excellent example of his impressionistic style.
• His painting Bulls (Dead Horses) is a large oil on canvas that measures 648 x 737 cm, created in 1886.
• He also painted Laziness, which showcases his skill and attention to detail.

Important works by Casas can be found at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. For more information on Ramon Casas, Carbó and his artwork, visit https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/O/AQQKJE or check out the Ramon Casas i Carbó page on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramon_Casas. His legacy continues to be celebrated, and his artwork remains a testament to his innovative style and contribution to the Catalan art movement. As a prominent figure in the history of Catalan art, Ramon Casas, Carbó's work continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.