“Arcadi Mas i Fondevila” A Spanish Luminist Painter
Arcadi Mas i Fondevila, also known as Fontdevila (1852-1934), stood as a prominent Catalan painter and graphic artist, carving a remarkable path in the realm of artistry. Born into the humble lineage of a tailor, his father, astutely recognizing his innate artistic flair, steered him towards the Escola de la Llotja. Here, under the tutelage of esteemed mentors like Claudi Lorenzale and Antoni Caba, Arcadi honed his skills and embarked on his artistic journey.
At the tender age of twenty, Arcadi unveiled his maiden exhibition at the prestigious salon of the “Associació Artística de Barcelona,” marking the inception of his illustrious career. A significant turning point arrived in 1873 when he ventured to Madrid, gracing the Salon hosted by the esteemed “Real Fábrica de Platería Martinez” with his remarkable painting titled “Pel juny la falç al puny” (In June with Sickle in Hand). The masterpiece garnered royal acclaim, catching the discerning eye of King Alfonso XII, who acquired it the ensuing year.
In 1875, Arcadi received the prestigious Fortuny Scholarship from the “Ayuntamento de Barcelona,” a coveted accolade that facilitated his artistic pilgrimage to Italy. Immersed in the rich tapestry of Italian artistry, he spent a decade traversing the hallowed halls of major art centers, disseminating his creations at the Sala Parés. The indelible influence of Domenico Morelli permeated his oeuvre, shaping his artistic vision.
Upon his return, Arcadi embarked on a collaborative endeavor with his friend Joan Roig i Soler in Sitges, under the tutelage of Santiago Rusiñol. This partnership laid the foundation for the “Escola Luminista,” a burgeoning artistic movement that beckoned a constellation of eminent Catalan painters. Arcadi’s artistic endeavors continued to captivate audiences far and wide, culminating in his participation in the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition.
In the ensuing decades, Arcadi embarked on several artistic expeditions to Madrid and Granada alongside Rusiñol, illustrating for esteemed publications like La Vanguardia. His prowess as an illustrator reached its zenith when he assumed a full-time role at La Ilustració Catalana in 1895. A pivotal moment arrived in 1899 when he was inducted into the esteemed Cercle Artístic de Sant Lluc, paving the way for his inaugural exhibition of pastels the ensuing year.
In 1913, Arcadi’s artistic legacy attained new heights when he adorned the tympanum of the portal of Saint Catherine at the parish church in Sitges, a feat made possible by the benevolent patronage of Charles Deering from America. Though the original mural has succumbed to the ravages of time, a faithful reproduction stands testament to his enduring legacy.
Arcadi’s artistic odyssey culminated in 1928 when he contributed to the mural embellishments adorning the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya. His final artistic rendezvous transpired in 1932 at the illustrious salon hosted by “La Pinacoteca,” a local art gallery. In a fitting tribute to his indelible contribution to Catalan artistry, a comprehensive retrospective of his oeuvre graced the Maricel Museum in 1985, immortalizing his enduring legacy for posterity.
