Alta Época, Tesoros Coloniales y Relojes de Lujo
Measurements: height, 57 cm; width 62 cm; depth: 40 cm. In plaster. Model of the original in bronze preserved in the Athenaeum of Madrid. Born into a family with a broad artistic tradition, he soon began to stand out for his sculptural talents, winning prizes in competitions before turning ten years of age, while at thirteen years of age he already attended the National Exhibition of Fine Arts with the sculpture group The Catch of a Picador. Bullfighting themes occupied Benlliure’s early creative years, leaving behind memorable sculptural groups. However, in these first creative years, Benlliure is closer to painting. In 1881 he traveled to Rome and from this city he visited his first teacher, Francisco Domingo Marqués in Paris, in 1883 and 1885. The contemplation of Michelangelo’s sculptural works produced a great attraction in Mariano that would lead to the abandonment of brushes and in his exclusive dedication to sculpture. Around 1896, Benlliure settled permanently in Madrid. Soon his studio was frequented by the aristocracy and by those characters who posed for him, while the sculptor models and sculpts busts, statuary, sculptural groups of various themes and notable public monuments. His artistic themes expanded and he soon became the fashionable sculptor without whom Spanish sculpture of the late 19th century and early 20th century would not be understood. His fame crossed borders and he will be decorated with awards, mentions and medals such as that of the French Legion of Honor or the one awarded by Emperor Franz Joseph.
