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Lighthouse Walk at Biarritz

Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (Spanish, 1863–1923)
1906

Medium/Technique Oil on canvas
Dimensions 68.3 x 188.6 cm (26 7/8 x 74 1/4 in.)
Credit Line Peter Chardon Brooks Memorial Collection; Gift of Mrs. Richard M. Saltonstall
Accession Number22.691
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsPaintings
Sorolla was a leading Spanish Impressionist, and frequently exhibited in Paris. The artist's free, dynamic brushwork inspired critics to refer to him as the "Spanish Sargent." His depiction of pleasurable pastimes, such as this leisurely walk by the sea, attracted a large American audience at the turn of the century. Many of Sorolla's most important works, including a huge mural cycle in New York's Hispanic Society of America, are in the United States.

InscriptionsLower right: J Sorolla y Bastida / 1906
Provenance1909, exhibited by the artist at the Hispanic Society of America, New York, and sold to Peter Chardon Brooks, III (b. 1831 - d. 1920), Boston [see note 1]; by descent to his daughter, Eleanor Brooks (Mrs. Richard M.) Saltonstall (b. about 1867), Boston; 1922, gift of Mrs. Richard M. Saltonstall to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 2, 1922)

NOTES:
[1] In 1909, Sorolla exhibited over 350 paintings, which were available for sale, at the Hispanic Society of America (February 8 - March 8, 1909); Buffalo Fine Arts Academy (March 20 - April 10, 1909); and the Copley Society of Boston (April 20 - May 11, 1909), cat. no. 165. Peter Chardon Brooks reserved the painting during the exhibition and purchased after its close in May, 1909.