Canals

Biography of Ricard Canals:

Barcelona, 1876 - 1931

Ricard Canals i Llambí, born in Barcelona in 1876 and passing away in 1931, was a prominent Catalan painter, draftsman, and engraver. He was a member of the Colla del Safrà (Saffron Group) alongside his friends Nonell, Mir, Pichot, and Juli Vallmitjana, named after the vibrant colors used in their works.

In 1897, along with Isidre Nonell, he traveled to Paris where they exhibited with great success at the Chez Dosbourg gallery. While Nonell returned to Barcelona, Canals stayed in Paris working for the dealer Durand-Ruel, who organized exhibitions of his work in Europe and the United States.

During his time in Paris, he developed a close friendship with Picasso, reflected in the portrait Picasso painted of Canals’ wife and in the painting "Un palco en los toros" where both painters’ wives posed.

Canals returned to Barcelona in 1907, establishing himself permanently in the city. His painting, influenced by French impressionists, especially Renoir, is characterized by soft color palettes reminiscent of pastel techniques. He spent extended periods in Madrid, Seville, and Granada, and his work acquired a distinctly Spanish flavor with a modern touch, earning him recognition in Paris.

In addition to easel painting, Canals dedicated himself to mural painting, with notable works for the City Hall of Barcelona.

A significant part of his oeuvre is preserved in the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), and his works can also be found in the Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer. Ricard Canals contribution to Catalan and Spanish art is still recognized and valued today.