José Mongrell, Valencia 1870-Barcelona 1937

Purchased from the artist by the parents of the present owner in 1936

Capturing the countryside as if it were a luxuriant garden full of fruits and flowers had a long tradition in Valencian art. At Cullera, on the coast south of Valencia, Mongrell introduced two new motifs to his paintings: gardens and the sea, which would become central to his work. While continuing to paint courting scenes and lovers' encounters, subjects on which he had built his reputation, he now set them in luscious verdant gardens among daisies, geraniums and climbing plants. At the same time, his palette became ever more vibrant and colourful, contributing to the atmosphere of bliss and happiness.