Mariano Fortuny y Marsal (Spanish, 1838-1874)

In 1870 Fortuny moved to Granada with his family for two years. His stay in the Moorish jewel in the heart of Andalusia proved inspirational. The possibility to paint en plein air, as in the present painting, provoked a decisive change in the character and style of his work. Enchanted by the blazing Andalusian sun, light played a paramount role in works of this period. Liberated from the confines and predictability of studio painting and confronted with new surroundings and fresh subject matter, he moved towards to a more naturalistic approach in painting. So revelatory was his experience that Fortuny founded a local academy of painting, the Escuela Luminista - a school that would attract students and followers long after his departure.