Elche
- Original dimensions
- 321 x 350 cm
- Museum
- The Hispanic Society of America
- Year
- 1918
Scene depicted
In this painting , Sorolla immerses us in the daily life of Elche, evoking sun-drenched landscapes and human figures in harmony with the surrounding nature. This vibrant scene depicts the richness of life in the city and the deep bond between its inhabitants and the fertile land. Each element of the composition seems to whisper a story, revealing bursts of joy and serenity that resonate with the buried memories of the viewers.
Historical context
Created in 1918, the painting "Elche" by Joaquín Sorolla is set in a lively historical context. Evolving in a time when impressionism and post- impressionism were redefining pictorial representation, the artist managed to capture the vibrant essence of the city of Elche, located in the Alicante region of Spain. Currently exhibited at The Hispanic Society of America, this majestic work measures 321 x 350 cm and radiates the energy of a world in full artistic transformation.
Place in the artist's career
"Elche" is part of a period of maturity for Joaquín Sorolla , an artist whose career is marked by an unceasing quest for light and color. Preferring themes of solemn lighting, this painting echoes other iconic works such as "The Baths of the Queen" and "The Siesta," where one perceives this growing mastery of painting and the emotions that emanate from it.
Anecdote
"The light of Elche is a visual poem that only my brush can sing." Such is the whisper of Joaquín Sorolla when dawn breaks over the panorama of Elche, embraced by a sweet scent of citrus and orange blossoms. It is undoubtedly that morning, in the heart of the city, that the artist drew inspiration for his masterpiece , intimately linked to the reborn beauty of the canvas.