Jose Puyet Figurative Paintings

Signed lower left, 'Puyet' for Jose Puyet (Spanish, 1922-2004); additionally signed, verso, dated 1981 and titled, 'El Veneciano'. Framed dimensions: 27.75 x 21.75 x 1.5 inches. This Spanish Impressionist and Romantic Realist was born in Málaga, the grandson of the nineteenth century painter, José Padilla. As a child, Puyet learned to paint by watching his grandfather, whose company he preferred to that of children his own age. By age eight, he had started working in pencils and oils. At age 20, Puyet entered the Spanish military, due to World War II, and served in the enclave of Melilla. The experience deepened his observations of humanity and conflict and, during this period, his officers would relieve him of guard duty to allow him to create paintings of their families. He then moved to post-war Madrid, where he bought art supplies with the little money he earned. He also found worked decorating crypts and mausoleums. His efforts gradually attracted success and his first one-man exhibition was held at Carrera de San Jerónimo de Madrid. The exhibition was a success that led to 42 more consecutive exhibitions that continued until Carrera de San Jerónimo de Madrid finally closed its doors. Puyet also exhibited with success internationally, including in Barcelona, San Francisco, New York, Montreal, Houston, Boston, Berlin, Munich, and Milán. In 1984, he was listed in Who's Who in Art and, in 1988, was inducted as a member of the Real Academy of Fine Arts of San Telmo, in Málaga. Jose Puyet's works are held in prominent public and private collections including those of the Houses of Alba and the House of Grimaldi...