Portrait of De Graner 1891

Joan Brull painted this portrait of De Graner in Catalonia, Spain, at a time of great cultural and political change. At the turn of the 20th century, Catalonia was experiencing a renaissance of its language, arts, and culture, seeking to reassert its identity, which had been suppressed under Spanish rule. Brull, part of the Symbolist movement, often depicted idealized or mythological subjects, but this portrait captures a more immediate reality. The sitter's gaze, his somewhat disheveled appearance, suggests a personality in tune with the bohemian spirit of the time. To fully understand this work, we need to examine the cultural and institutional contexts of Barcelona at this time. Research into the artistic circles Brull and De Graner inhabited, the exhibitions they participated in, and the critical reception of their work would offer valuable insights. Only then can we appreciate the nuances of this portrait and its place within the Catalan cultural revival.